The Montreal Canadiens have always been known for their commitment to nurturing young talent, but this summer, an unexpected story has emerged from Brossard that has fans buzzing with curiosity.

While the spotlight often lands on the team’s biggest stars, it’s a pair of relentless young forwards who have quietly stolen the show with their unyielding dedication and passion for the game.

Rumors have swirled about a new statement from general manager Kent Hughes, and the whispers from inside the organization hint at something truly remarkable—and perhaps a little concerning—when it comes to the training habits of Ivan Demidov.

With comparisons being drawn to Lane Hutson’s famously tireless work ethic, Demidov’s summer regimen has reached a level of intensity that few could have predicted.

Twice-daily sessions on the ice, five days a week, have raised eyebrows and prompted a surprising response from the Canadiens’ management. Why are they stepping in?

What exactly is happening behind closed doors in Brossard? And what does it mean for Demidov’s future with the team?

The answers may surprise you, and the full story reveals a side of the Canadiens’ philosophy that fans rarely get to see. Dive in to discover what Kent Hughes had to say—and why everyone’s talking.

Photo credit: Habs Fanatics

We just got a very interesting statement from Kent Hughes regarding young forward Ivan Demidov.

It’s funny, because since the beginning of the summer we’ve been saying how much Demidov reminds us of Lane Hutson, for his work ethic and his love for hockey.

Young Demidov has been on the ice in Brossard constantly since the start of the summer, sometimes even twice a day.

It’s intense!

This past March, we reported that the Canadiens revoked an authorization from Lane Hutson in Brossard, because he was simply training too much.

Well, now Kent Hughes has just said the exact same thing, but this time about Ivan Demidov Wow!

Kent Hughes Must Prohibit Ivan Demidov From Training on the Ice at Times

Here’s what he said regarding Lane Hutson:

The Canadiens told Lane Hutson that he wasn’t allowed to train on Sunday, and his response about having a day off from hockey was:

“It was pretty boring.”

– Lane Hutson, via HabsOnReddit

And now here’s what he just said about Ivan Demidov

Don’t be surprised, on an off day this season, if Demidov is given the same restriction as Lane Hutson.

Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes on Ivan Demidov:

“We’ve seen him through the summer. His work ethic is unparalleled..He’s been in Montreal, skating, working out and skating again, twice a day, five days a week. I’m trying to get him off the ice.”

The organization already sometimes has to prohibit Demidov from training on the ice to make him take a bit of rest, which is perfectly healthy and logical.

It really says a lot about the young man’s work ethic!

Or at the very least, they strongly recommend he take a break.

That said, he can’t burn himself out before training camp even starts.

I love the Canadiens’ approach to this. For both Hutson and Demidov, the management is right to “force” them to take some days off at times.

We highly recommend reading Kent Hughes’ full interview with the NHL’s official site on this topic.