Huge statement about Ivan Demidov by prospects expert Scott Wheeler

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Dominic Pouliot
July 13, 2024 (9:23)

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The Montreal Canadiens made a masterful move by selecting Ivan Demidov with the fifth overall pick in the draft.

Considered the second-best prospect of the 2024 class by the majority of scouts, the Canadiens' choice (and Céline Dion's) is regularly compared to several superstar forwards in the league, such as Nikita Kucherov and Alex Kovalev.

Some analysts even admit that the Russian forward possesses better offensive qualities than the first overall pick, Macklin Celebrini.

During an appearance on the podcast "The Sick Podcast With Tony Marinaro," prospect analyst Scott Wheeler confirmed this evaluation, stating that the young Russian is the most talented player of the 2024 class. He even described Demidov as one of the most creative players he has observed over the past 11 drafts.

"I think he will be a star in the NHL. He is the most talented player in this class, Celebrini included, in terms of puck handling. He is one of the most individually talented creators in one-on-one situations that I have observed in 11 years..." - Scott Wheeler

Barring a huge surprise (or a miracle from Nick Brobov), we will have to wait until the 2025-2026 season to see Ivan Demidov in the Canadiens' uniform. But in the meantime, we can speculate that the SKA forward has the talent to become a star in the National Hockey League.

At 18 years old, the 6-foot-1, 192-pound forward scored 34 goals and added 54 assists (88 points) in just 47 games with SKA Saint Petersburg in the MHL this season.