Igor Larionov causing major disruption between Montreal Canadiens and their top forward Ivan Demidov
Photo credit: Screenshot
The former Detroit Red Wings player Igor Larionov, who was named head coach of the St. Petersburg SKA, wants to steal a Russian phenom from the Montreal Canadiens.
Member of the Russian Five and Stanley Cup champion Igor Larionov https://www.redwingsinsider.com/nhl/news/detroit-red-wings-legend-igor-larionov-has-been-named-head-coach-of-ska, and he already made a controversial comment.
Indeed, in a recent interview on RG.org, the Red Wings legend made a surprising suggestion about Ivan Demidov, the Montreal Canadiens' 5th overall pick in 2024.
He revealed that he wants to talk with the Canadiens' management to bring back Demidov to Russia for another year.
"I'd like to speak with the Montreal management - I know some of them quite well. General manager Kent Hughes used to be a player agent, and we know each other. Martin Lapointe, who's now their director of player personnel and scouting, was my teammate in Detroit.
My goal is to bring Demidov back to SKA on loan for one year and then let him return to Montreal in time for the NHL playoffs. That would be phenomenal.
I understand that Demidov is a real gem for the Canadiens, but sometimes you need to take a step back to move three steps forward. I'd really love the chance to work with this kid. I don't know if it will happen, but I will be asking for him to be loaned back for one year."
My goal is to bring Demidov back to SKA on loan for one year and then let him return to Montreal in time for the NHL playoffs. That would be phenomenal.
I understand that Demidov is a real gem for the Canadiens, but sometimes you need to take a step back to move three steps forward. I'd really love the chance to work with this kid. I don't know if it will happen, but I will be asking for him to be loaned back for one year."
Demidov himself stated that the NHL is a much higher caliber than the KHL, and for him to develop into an NHL star, he must play in North America. He earned the Rookie of the Year title in Russia, where he scored 49 points in 65 games, and added four points in seven games in the regular season and the playoffs with the Canadiens.
One thing is clear: the Canadiens won't let him leave the team, especially at a friendly, entry-level rate.
While Larionov may have gotten many fans over his playing career, he won't make any new ones in North America with such declarations.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 6 | 75 ANSWERS Igor Larionov causing major disruption between Montreal Canadiens and their top forward Ivan Demidov Do you think Igor Larionov will ever come back to North America to pursue his coaching career? | ||
| Yes | 27 | 36 % |
| No | 48 | 64 % |
| List of polls | ||
TRENDING NOW
