Man of the Week: Ivan Demidov
KHL.ru’s weekly column ‘Man of the Week’ continues with Ivan Demidov. The young forward had a striking game against HC Sochi last week, scoring four points and being awarded with the Best rookie honors.
Ivan Demidov, born on Dec. 10, 2005, in Sergiyev Posad, Russia, has quickly risen through the ranks to become one of the most promising young talents in our league. A natural talent, Demidov has just been awarded the Best Rookie honors last week, mostly thanks to a four-point performance in SKA’s victory over HC Sochi (7:4) on Thursday.
Early years
Demidov’s journey began at a young age, training with the DYUSSH Dmitrov youth team in the Central Russia’s town. Early performances in various youth leagues and tournaments, such as the WSI U13 and U14, showcased his natural talent and dedication to the sport. By the 2020-2021 season, Demidov was already making waves with the Vityaz U16 team, scoring 28 points in 11 games.
In 2021, Demidov made a significant move to SKA St. Petersburg, one of Russia's top programs known for developing elite talent. This transition marked a pivotal moment in his career. He joined the SKA academy and quickly adapted, excelling with 26 points in 11 games for the U17 team before moving on to SKA-Varyagi and SKA-1946 in the JHL. His performances at the junior level consistently impressed, showcasing his scoring ability, vision, and hockey sense.
Ties with his brother
Playing alongside his older brother, Semyon Demidov, has been a unique aspect of Ivan's career. Semyon, currently affiliated with SKA-Neva St. Petersburg in the VHL, has had a similar progression through the ranks. The brothers played together for SKA-1946, where they carried the offense for the team in Russia’s Junior League. This experience not only strengthened their bond but also allowed Ivan to learn and grow alongside his brother. Together, they had a good run with SKA-1946 in the 2023 JHL playoffs, before Semyon moved on with SKA-Neva as he graduated from the juniors.
Ivan Demidov's style of play is characterized by his exceptional skills on the ice. His stickhandling is precise, allowing him to maneuver through tight spaces and maintain control of the puck under pressure. His vision and hockey IQ are standout attributes, enabling him to anticipate plays and make intelligent decisions quickly. His passing is crisp and accurate, often setting up teammates for prime scoring opportunities. Demidov’s ability to read the game and his spatial awareness make him a dynamic playmaker and a constant offensive threat. He is also an excellent skater, known for his speed and agility.
Kharlamov Cup triumph
The 2023-2024 season was a rollercoaster for Ivan Demidov. The forward endured three injuries and missed half of the regular season, but despite these setbacks, he led his team to victory in the Kharlamov Cup and was named the JHL’s Most Valuable Player for the second consecutive year. On Sept. 15, 2023, during a game against Dynamo St. Petersburg, Ivan sustained an injury, returned to action, only to get hurt again on Oct. 5 when he crashed his knee into the goalpost at high speed. He finished the regular season in second place in the scoring race with 60 points (23 goals + 37 assists) in 30 games.
In the 2024 playoffs, Demidov was unstoppable. He tallied eight points in both the first and second rounds, including a game-winning hat-trick in the decisive match against Spartak. In the semifinals, the White Bears couldn’t contain him either, as he racked up nine points in the five-game series. Unfortunately, an injury early in game four of the finals sidelined him for the deciding match. However, Demidov was still with the team, stepping onto the ice on crutches to lift the Kharlamov Cup. He finished the playoffs with an impressive 28 points in 17 games, setting a seven-year record. Just a week later, he was once again named the league’s MVP.
“As a two-time MVP, I feel as good as ever,” Demidov then told KHL.ru with a smile. “It’s great to win this award two years in a row. There’s more to come.”
He had claimed his first MVP title in the 2022-2023 season after scoring 62 points.
NHL Draft and KHL debut
After his breakout season, in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft, Demidov was selected fifth overall by the Montreal Canadiens. After the selections, he worked hard to earn his debut in the KHL with SKA, and following a good preseason, he made the opening night roster and was often iced with star forward Evgeny Kuznetsov.
One of Demidov's recent standout performances came on September 19, 2024, when he scored four points in a game against Sochi. He earned two assists and scored two goals, including an empty-netter. His deceptive release and ability to generate scoring opportunities were on full display, pushing his season totals to six points in six games.
Demidov has consistently proven himself as a rising star in the league and beyond. And he is now a key player for SKA, and not just as a development player.
