Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
All young NHL players can use the advice of athletes who came on the scene before them.
For up-and-coming Montreal Canadiens prospect Ivan Demidov, having a former Russian Habs player like Andrei Markov come out and offer you guidance is worth its weight in gold.
Speaking to Russian news outlet Match TV, Markov offered his perspective on what it means to play in Montreal as a foreigner and an elite youngster. He said he was proud of his fellow countryman Demidov but warned he would encounter a great deal of pressure playing in such a hockey fishbowl.
“I am very happy that one of our Russian hockey players was drafted by one of the greatest NHL clubs,” Markov said of Demidov. “He will definitely get a chance. But at the same time, there is pressure in Montreal that he will have to cope with. If he does this, then playing for Montreal will be the best memory of his life.”
Habs legend Andrei Markov on Ivan Demidov.
👇👇👇 pic.twitter.com/JRGppvgTY9
— /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) August 11, 2024
To be sure, anyone who has worn a Canadiens jersey understands the highs and lows of playing in Montreal.
Although the situation in that city and province is unique regarding the language and culture surrounding the franchise, the bottom line is similar: win, and you’ll be in a paradise where you can do no wrong. Lose, and you’ll suffer from the backlash of disappointed fans and media.
This is what Demidov will be dealing with as soon as he’s ready for the NHL, most likely a year from now after his commitment to his KHL team has come to an end. But no amount of advice or preparation can truly help brace a youngster for the spotlight that will envelop them.
Demidov’s status as a top-five pick has raised the bar of expectation for him, and the better he plays in his final KHL season, the higher that bar will be.
Markov and other Russian NHLers can do their utmost to prepare players like Demidov to handle the good and bad times coming his way, but ultimately, it’s likely to be a trial-by-fire situation. Demidov will sink or swim based on his own merits and his own experiences in an Original Six city.
The Habs are gambling that he will thrive, but of course, there’s no guarantee that will happen. But if he does succeed and helps bring Montreal another Stanley Cup, Demidov is going to be every bit the legend he and the team hope he’ll be.
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News Summary:
- Despite Markov's Advice for Demidov on Montreal Canadiens, Expect Trial By Fire
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