NEWSLETTER
Ivan Demidov still has a chance to be the No. 2 pick in next week’s 2024 NHL Draft when the Blackhawks step to the podium. And he’s in Florida meeting with teams right now. Sean Shapiro of EP Rinkside met with him and shared a really good read. It’s behind a paywall, so the things I’ll share here are a few of the more notable things I took away from the piece.
Demidov is taller than his previously listed 5-10 and has a good build. Shapiro goes on to say he’s “at least two inches taller” than the writer, who said he’s what Demidov was previously listed at for a personal height.
Demidov speaks good English; the interview was almost completely in English. And that surprised both Shapiro and many NHL execs. He’s been working on the language for some time. That’s great to see.
“According to [agent Dan] Milstein there is no plan for Demidov to sign an extension in the KHL and he will be coming to North America at the completion of the 2024-25 KHL season.” So put those worries to bed. Again.
“As for the injured ankle, Demidov says he’s been rehabbing it here in Florida since June 1 and should be ready to skate in about two weeks, potentially in time for development camp for whichever team drafts him.” Of course the Blackhawks are having an all off-ice development camp after the draft, but him being able to skate for them while in town might happen if Chicago calls his name. So we can stop using the injury as an excuse to not pick him as well.
Finally, I loved this from Shapiro:
Demidov said despite being a winger, he’s wanted to work more like a centre in the defensive zone and improve his overall impact. He said he felt his explosiveness and agility can be a strength in all three zones, it can “surprise people.”
