Ivan Demidov Prospect Profile: Is he a Future Chicago Blackhawk?

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As the season starts to wind down, typically during a rebuild season fans alike will look next towards the Trade Deadline (March 8th). For fans of the Blackhawks however it appears that their teams' deadline may be quieter than last years (extensions for Mrazek, Dickinson, and Foligno in short order). So with Connor Bedard out and the team in last place (tied with San Jose) the prospect series roles on. Let's take a look at Russian forward Ivan Demidov.

Demidov is a 5'11 forward playing in the MHL for SKA - St. Petersburg. While getting into 6 KHL games, it's been in the MHL where Demidov has made a name for himself as a highly skilled offensive player. Showcasing elite level offensive IQ and regularly demonstrating the ability to create scoring chances in tight spaces, Demidov is easily one of the most skilled players in this draft class.

Recently back from injury (knee injury in October) Demidov wasted no time proving he was both healthy and ready to show he is one of the best prospects for the upcoming NHL draft. Here is a video (via Habs Prospect Videos) from this weeks matchups that focus in on his passing and finishing ability as a wing. (He is #11)

How are Ivan Demidov's stats in the MHL?

Demidov entered his 3rd year in the MHL as a proven scorer at 1.51 points per game in over 40 games however this season has shown that he has yet another gear to his play. At just 1 point under 2 points per game, it's clear that Demidov is playing himself up into a return to the KHL. With a contract that extends only 1 more season, it's likely that SKA (KHL) will have him on one of their lines for the 24-25 campaign.

Per usual, the North American decision makers will have to dive into the player, their family, and professional team in regards to an NHL clubs ability to quickly get the drafted player over to North America. Demidov is no different, although in comparison to last drafts' Matvei Michkov, is on a shorter professional contract term. That should bode well for his draft stock.

SKA Hockey Club player, Ivan Demidov (11) seen in action... / SOPA Images/GettyImages

As evidence by the this week's highlight package video as well as his statistics it makes sense that the Blackhawks would look at Demidov as a potential selection if choosing between #'s 2 and 4 in the 2024 draft. But does he fit what the Blackhawks may be looking for?

Does Ivan Demidov fit what Kyle Davidson is looking for?

Blackhawks General Manager Kyle Davidson has shown that he will take the best player on the board when it's his turn to make a selection in the 1st round. Thus far that has resulted in the likes of Kevin Korchinski (NHL), Frank Nazar (NCAA), Sam Rinzel (NCAA), Connor Bedard (NHL), and Oliver Moore (NCAA). That's quite the list of talented players in the system in just two drafts. To add a player of Ivan Demidov would put a true finisher in the midst of these other talented forwards.

While not the fastest draft eligible skater, Demidov shows excellent edge work when finding the soft areas in between the dots on offensive cycles. He is, if not the best in class, one of the most naturally gifted offensive IQ forwards in the 2024 draft class. This should get him drafted anywhere from #2 to #11 on June 28th in Las Vegas.

Given that this draft has so many different type of prospects in the mix for the top 10, it stands to reason that Demidov has just as good of a chance to go inside the top 5 as a Sam Dickinson, Cayden Lindstrom, Konsta Helenius, or any other talented draft eligible. The Blackhawks, in particular, are in desperate need for offensive finishers to pair with their franchise center Connor Bedard.

Ivan Demidov would provide a player that projects as a scorer. Perhaps not the two way bigger forward most fans would clamor for at the moment, Demidov could be that elite wing complement on the top line that currently isn't in the system. Would the Blackhawks go all in on the young Russian with such an important pick? That seems to be the question.

Winnipeg Jets v Chicago Blackhawks / Patrick McDermott/GettyImages

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