If former Montreal Canadiens’ right winger Alex Kovalev criticized Ivan Demidov earlier this season, left winger Sergei Samsonov likes what he’s seeing. Speaking to RG.org in an exclusive interview, the former Calder Trophy winner has nothing but praises for the Canadiens latest fifth-overall pick.
Samsonov knows what he’s talking about as well, since he is now part of the Gold Star Hockey player agency, who represents Demidov. Samsonov, who played 888 games in the NHL including 63 with the Habs, believes Kirill Kaprisov is a good comparison for the youngster. He sees the same kind of playmaking but also adds he can drive the net himself.
Related: Demidov Records Fourth Straight Multi Point Game
Off the ice, he also explains that Demidov reminds him of a young Ovechkin, just because of his “joie de vivre”, the kid loves playing hockey and he’s happy when he’s playing. He should fit right in with Cole Caufield who’s flashed huge smiles playing his favorite sport and Lane Hutson who’s regularly on the ice half an hour before practice because he loves the game.
The former player is also impressed by the rookie-to-be’s maturity level, saying he’s already a professional at so many levels. He believes Demidov will light up the NHL sooner or later but hopes he will be given some time to reach his full potential.
It’s understandable Samsonov would have that concern, but having covered the team for years and seen how fans have been reacting to the rebuild I strongly believe this market is more patient and rational that it has been in a long time. The reaction to Juraj Slafkovsky’s season so far is actually proof of that. It’s hard to imagine the fans failing to show the same patience with a prospect they’re already so excited about.
Related: Ivan Demidov Named KHL Top Rookie for December
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