“I don't try to compare myself to anyone”: Ivan Demidov looks up to NHL stars Nikita Kucherov and Kirill Kaprizov, not Alex Ovechkin

The Montreal Canadiens will finally see Ivan Demidov ’s highly anticipated NHL debut. In an interview before what could be his first game with the Montreal Canadiens , Ivan Demidov shocked fans by revealing his hockey role models. The confession came as the teenager adjusts to his new life with the Montreal Canadiens, looking forward to making his mark during the Canadiens' pivotal playoff run.

Montreal Canadiens prospect Ivan Demidov reveals who motivates his NHL style


Ivan Demidov is selective about his inspirations, and what shocked many was how he did not name Washington Capitals legend and Russian hero Alex Ovechkin , who recently set his record for 895 career goals. Instead, the 19-year-old right winger identified Minnesota Wild's Kirill Kaprizov and Tampa Bay Lightning's Nikita Kucherov as his ideal role models in the NHL. The revelation came as the teenager settles into a new life with the Montreal Canadiens and waits eagerly to etch his place in history during the Canadiens' storied playoff run.

Ivan Demidov had a record-breaking season in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL), where he recorded 49 points (19 goals, 30 assists) in 65 games playing for SKA St. Petersburg. The record now becomes the most points in a single KHL season by a player under 20 years old—a remarkable achievement that suggests much from his transition to the NHL.


Now with the Montreal Canadiens, Ivan Demidov is committed to establishing himself on his own terms, even as his game steals ideas from other elite skill players.

“I like watching [Kirill] Kaprizov and [Nikita] Kucherov, but I don’t try to compare myself to anyone directly,” he told TSN’s Marco D’Amico. “I have my own style, but I try to take the best from different players.”

Demidov is also optimistic about adjusting to the NHL’s pace and physicality, downplaying concerns about his size as he joins the Canadiens roster. Interestingly, he also gave a nod to fellow Canadiens rookie Lane Hutson—another highly skilled, undersized player—saying he has followed the defenceman closely.

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While the date of his NHL debut is still to be decided, Ivan Demidov made it pretty clear that he's eager to lace up sooner rather than later. Whether he becomes a breakout star immediately or simply gains valuable experience late in the season, Ivan Demidov's skill set, mentality, and drive make him a compelling player to watch as Montreal gets closer to playoff hockey.