Scotty Bowman holds the record for most Stanley Cup wins by an NHL coach with 9 championships, five of which came with the Montreal Canadiens at the helm of what was the best Montreal team ever put together. If there’s one thing Bowman knows, it’s talent.
In an exclusive interview with RG.org, the former bench boss praised the organization for it’s current rebuild, adding they’re in good hands with Jeff Gorton who has NHL executive experience and Kent Hughes’ wealth of experience as an agent.
Related: Former Montreal Canadiens Player Now Part Of Gold Star Hockey Praises Demidov
If the Canadiens were criticized by some for flying over to Russia to watch their fifth-overall pick at the 2024 draft in person, Bowman believes it was absolutely the right move to make. He sees what Montreal is doing and mentions they’re doing everything they can to get Ivan Demidov to sign with them, adding going to see him play in person probably meant a lot.
Montreal was once used to having big offensive stars in their lineup like Maurice Richard or Guy Lafleur, but that’s been an extinct specie in the Canadiens’ line up for quite some time now. In Demidov, the former coach sees that kind of superstar potential.
Furthermore, he sees Montreal as the perfect environment for the youngster. Calling his former home the Mecca of hockey, he mentions the fans’ passion for the game will mean he will be well received in town if he signs with the Canadiens. So far, the Philadelphia Flyers have had excellent result with another young Russian star in Matvei Michkov and it’s the kind of return the Habs will be looking for.
Related: Canadiens: Teammate Sings Demidov’s Praises
According to the interview, Bowman’s scouting and analysis tells him Demidov has got the hockey IQ and work ethic to succeed in the NHL. Canadiens’ fans will be hoping Bowman’s eye for talent is still as sharp as it was in his prime behind the Habs’ bench, but there’s really no reason to doubt it. The Bowman stamp of approval still means a lot in hockey circles and the news of a Demidov entry-level contract this offseason can’t come soon enough for the Canadiens’ organization.
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