The Montreal Canadiens aren’t short on young talent. Patrik Laine is looking for a bounce-back year. Nick Suzuki could hit 100 points, while Lane Hutson and Noah Dobson can continue their offensive dominance.
Ivan Demidov is poised to compete for the Calder Trophy as top rookie of the year. Signing Evgeny Kuznetsov to a PTO could be the key to unlocking Demidov’s season.
Canadiens Have Already Been Linked to Kuznetsov
At the end of June, Kuznetsov was linked to the Canadiens. Kuznetsov’s agent, Shumi Babaev, explained the interest his client has drawn from the NHL.
“In my view, there are about ten teams where Kuznetsov could be a real asset—where there’s both room on the roster and cap space,” Babaev said to RG. “I think we could have clarity within a couple of weeks.”
Babaev explained the reasoning behind turning to the NHL instead of focusing on continuing his career in the KHL.
“Honestly, he’d still be one of the best players in the KHL,” Babaev said. “But right now, the focus is on returning to the NHL. At the same time, he’s not going to cost what he did before—he’s not an $8 million player anymore. His new deal will be significantly more affordable, and for many cap-strapped teams, that could be a steal: a quality center at a reasonable price.”
“It’s actually a great moment for a comeback.”
Canadiens’ Demidov Has Already Played With Kuznetsov
With his interest in returning to the NHL already established, where would Kuznetsov fit if he signed with the Canadiens?
Having him on the top line with Suzuki and Juraj Slafkovsky is an enticing proposition. However, there might be a better option. Slotting him alongside Kuznetsov (who would be the second-line center) would be a great fit.
Kuznetsov and Demidov played together for SKA St. Petersburg of the KHL in 2024-25. While there is no line combination data publicly available, we know that Demidov spent a good chunk of time paired with Kuznetsov.
Perhaps the best display of their abilities together was on Demidov’s first KHL goal. Kuznetsov covered the puck with his stick, which implied he was going to try to score a Michigan goal, only to take it around the net and connect with Demidov in front of the net. Demidov scored on his second attempt after the initial shot rang off the goalpost.
Canadiens Demidov Has a Believer in Kuznetsov
Kuznetsov has not shied away from praising the young forward. He believes that Demidov is one of the most skilled players he has ever seen.
“Vanya (Demidov) is an extraordinary player who can turn nothing into something special in an instant,” Kuznetsov said to Daria Tuboltseva. “He is one of the most talented players I’ve ever seen in terms of skill and playmaking.”
The unique mentoring relationship that they currently have can be strengthened if Kuznetsov joins the Canadiens. Kuznetsov expanded on what that has looked like in the KHL.
“We don’t talk much about hockey; we mostly discuss everyday life here and in America,” Kuznetsov said to Tuboltseva. “We chat, joke around. Maybe I don’t even realize when a question is really important to him, but I always answer everything. I never try to teach him anything—he already knows everything himself.”
“The only thing we discuss on the ice is where to position ourselves and what to do in different situations.”
Kuznetsov understands the importance of confidence and believes that’s the key for Demidov moving forward in his young career.
“If something doesn’t work out, he should simply move on, focus on what he does well, and keep improving his strengths instead of obsessing over weaknesses.”
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