Troubling statement about Ivan Demidov and its potential impact on the Canadiens

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David St-Jean
June 20, 2024 (4:32 PM)

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Among the top forwards in the upcoming draft, Macklin Celebrini is expected to go first overall, followed by Ivan Demidov and Cayden Lindstrom.

While Lindstrom impressed everyone at the Combine, team officials finally got a chance to see Demidov in action in Florida this week.

It turns out that several false pieces of information have been circulating about the young prodigy. Contrary to these rumors, Demidov is reportedly much taller than previously thought and very close to being NHL-ready. Additionally, he speaks excellent English.

So far, this isn't too problematic. However, according to Elliotte Friedman, these lies may be the work of an NHL team trying to get their hands on Demidov.

"If there's one thing I know about the draft, it's that everyone lies a week before the deadline. But NHL team officials recently told me that there's another team currently trying to lower Ivan Demidov's value. They're leaking information that he's shorter than reality or that it would be difficult to bring him out of Russia to America. In truth, they're just trying to get him to slide down to their pick."

Elliotte Friedman

The good news is that teams are aware of this. The bad news is that there is a glaring lack of professionalism in this regard.

It's one thing to hide or lie about your strategy, which is fair game, but releasing false information just to improve your chances of drafting a player is highly unethical.

I hope it's not the Canadiens doing this. In fact, I doubt it, but you never know. One thing is certain: this could impact Kent Hughes and all the other teams intending to select Demidov.

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Do you think the Canadiens should select Ivan Demidov at the 5th overall pick, even if Cayden Lindstrom is also available?
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