The 2024 NHL Draft brought with it a whirlwind of speculation, anticipation, and blockbuster rumors, but none more electrifying than the trade drama surrounding Ivan Demidov and the Montreal Canadiens. As the hockey world gathered at The Sphere in Las Vegas, all eyes were on the Canadiens’ fifth overall pick—an asset that quickly became the epicenter of intense negotiations and high-stakes proposals.
Reports from some of the most respected insiders in the business, including Pierre LeBrun, Frank Seravalli, David Pagnotta, and Elliotte Friedman, confirmed what fans had only dared to imagine: Montreal was presented with a monumental trade offer that could have altered the franchise’s future forever.
Behind the scenes, the Chicago Blackhawks emerged as the key suitor, determined to land Demidov and willing to part with significant draft capital to make it happen. The magnitude of the offer, and the decision ultimately made by Canadiens’ General Manager Kent Hughes, has since sparked passionate debate among fans and analysts alike.
Now, with the results of the 2025 NHL Draft lottery in hand and the details of the proposed deal revealed, the hockey community is left to wonder—did Montreal make the right call in holding on to their prized forward?
Photo credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
As reported by the reputable Pierre LeBrun, the Montreal Canadiens did indeed receive a monster trade offer for forward Ivan Demidov.
This isn’t even a simple rumor, because it was mentioned by several very solid sources, including LeBrun, but also Frank Seravalli, David Pagnotta, and more recently Elliotte Friedman.
Almost a year ago, it was the Chicago Blackhawks who indeed submitted a major trade offer to Kent Hughes because they wanted to get their hands on Ivan Demidov with the 5th overall pick in the 2024 draft.
A trade offer submitted to Kent Hughes and the Montreal Canadiens is now officially known
Following the result of the lottery for the 2025 NHL Draft, we now know the exact offer that was refused by Kent Hughes.
For those who missed this news, let’s recall that the Chicago Blackhawks indeed attempted a big move at the 2024 draft, and they submitted a major proposal to the Habs to acquire their 5th overall pick and Ivan Demidov.
A proposal that was obviously refused by Kent Hughes.
Chicago wanted Artyom Levshunov and Ivan Demidov.
In short, the Blackhawks offered their unprotected 2025 first-round pick in exchange for the Canadiens’ 5th overall pick in 2024 (Demidov).
The Chicago Blackhawks’ 2025 first-round pick is ultimately the 3rd overall pick
Following the lottery, which was held earlier this week, we can indeed confirm that Chicago will pick 3rd overall in 2025.
So, knowing all this, do you believe Kent Hughes made the right decision in refusing this trade?
We now know it was the following:
5th overall pick in 2024 (Ivan Demidov)
for
3rd overall pick in 2025 (likely Michael Misa or Porter Martone) and another draft pick
I truly believe Kent Hughes made the right choice!
It was an offer that was valid for the 4th and 5th overall picks, and it was an offer specifically aimed at acquiring Ivan Demidov and Ivan Demidov only.
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