NHL Draft : A injury that could change everything for Kent Hughes?
With a one in six chance (17.1%) of drafting in the top 2, Kent Hughes likely dreams of adding one of the two offensive stars from the upcoming draft.
On one hand, Macklin Celebrini seems to be at the top of the list, but one should not overlook Ivan Demidov's chances of becoming a true force in the Bettman circuit.
On May 7th, we will know the position at which the Tricolore will speak. However, it should be kept in mind that the Montreal Canadiens may be swayed by the four most prominent forwards.
Nevertheless, recent news could give Kent Hughes pause.
Although the young Russian forward Ivan Demidov has been described as a player in the mold of Matvei Michkov, his personality differs significantly from that of the player selected seventh overall by the Philadelphia Flyers last year.
At 18 years old, Ivan Demidov stands at 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighs 185 pounds. He amassed 60 points in 30 games this season at St. Petersburg in the SKA's farm club. The MHL is the second division below the KHL.
Unfortunately, the young Russian prodigy is said to have suffered a serious knee injury. At least, that's what Félix Forget claimed. He is currently walking with crutches and a walking boot on his left foot. That doesn't bode well!
A serious injury suffered by Ivan Demidov could change everything in the draft
With two months before the selection session, such an injury can unsettle executives who were considering him as their top choice. Will the injury impact Ivan Demidov's career? Will he have any lingering effects? Will it affect his ceiling?
All these questions are valid!
If the Tricolore does not see its logo drawn in the top 3 on May 7th and retains its fifth overall pick, do you think Kent Hughes might be tempted to select the Russian if he falls to the fifth spot?
A story to follow closely until the draft...
