As one of the first Russian hockey players to hoist the Stanley Cup, former Montreal Canadiens forward Alex Kovalev understands the challenges of transitioning to North American hockey better than most.
In a recent interview with RG.org, Kovalev offered insights on several of his young countrymen navigating the KHL and NHL, including Canadiens prospect Ivan Demidov.
Selected fifth overall by Montreal at the 2024 NHL Draft, Demidov has shown flashes of brilliance in his first KHL season with SKA St. Petersburg. However, the winger’s inconsistent ice time has raised questions about his development.
While Jeff Gorton, the Canadiens’ executive vice president, has voiced his frustration over the situation, Demidov has remained quiet — which Kovalev calls a mistake.
“He’s behaving incorrectly. It’s wrong to just sit there and put up with six minutes per game, with plans to leave in six months and play in the NHL. That’s not how it works,” said Kovalev.
The 51-year-old, who currently serves as the assistant coach for fellow KHL club HC Kunlun Red Star, insisted that more can be done on the player’s part.
“You have to try to get more playing time by any means necessary.”
Kovalev, who played five seasons with the Canadiens, also noted that if Demidov doesn’t do something to gain his current coach’s trust, it could translate to issues at the NHL level.
“You also have to talk to your coach so that he can explain to you what you need to do so that he trusts you more. What if he is not given time in Montreal? Should he sit and wait, too? That is the wrong approach,” he explained. “You have to fight for every minute, by any means possible.”
While he often finds himself in the bottom six, Demidov has been dynamite for SKA when head coach Roman Rotenberg has utilized him.
Oh my, Ivan Demidov. #gohabsgo pic.twitter.com/oPYp32eyVN
— Matt Drake (@DrakeMT) October 30, 2024
The 18-year-old, who has six goals and 20 points through his first 33 games, recently admitted to communicating with members of the Habs’ management team on a weekly basis.
With one year left on his KHL contract, he is expected to join the Canadiens next season.