As the Olympic men’s hockey tournament gets set to drop the puck on February 11, fans around the world are buzzing about what promises to be the most talent-rich international competition we’ve seen in years. With 12 nations vying for gold, it’s the kind of best-on-best showcase the sport has sorely missed. But one hockey powerhouse is notably absent: Russia, still banned from international competition due to the ongoing war in Ukraine.
That hasn’t stopped the hockey world from wondering what a Team Russia roster might’ve looked like had they been eligible to compete. And when Hall of Famer and current SKA St. Petersburg coach Igor Larionov was asked to build a hypothetical Olympic squad, the result was a loaded lineup that reminds us just how deep Russian hockey talent runs - even without stepping on the ice.
One name that jumps off Larionov’s list? Ivan Demidov, the Montreal Canadiens’ prized rookie.
At just 20 years old, Demidov’s inclusion speaks volumes about how highly he’s regarded in Russian hockey circles. And if you’re wondering where Larionov would slot him in, how about on a line with the Alexander Ovechkin and Vladislav Namestnikov?
That’s right - Demidov on the wing with the NHL’s all-time leading goal scorer. That trio would’ve been Larionov’s third line.
Let that sink in.
A Netminding Trio Most Countries Would Dream Of
Larionov’s goaltending picks underline just how spoiled Russia is when it comes to elite puck-stoppers. Sergei Bobrovsky, Andrei Vasilevskiy, and Igor Shesterkin - three names that could each start for just about any national team on the planet.
Bobrovsky, who would’ve served as the third-string in this scenario, has two Vezina Trophies and just helped lead Florida to a Stanley Cup. Vasilevskiy?
He’s got two Cups of his own and a Conn Smythe. And Shesterkin, despite a turbulent Rangers season, remains one of the most technically sound and athletically gifted goalies in the game.
No Ilya Sorokin? It’s a tough omission, but with that trio, it’s hard to argue. Larionov’s choices reflect not just talent, but trust in battle-tested experience.
A Blue Line Built for Modern Hockey
On defense, Larionov leaned into mobility and puck-moving ability - a must in today’s high-speed international game. While Alexander Romanov would’ve been in the mix if not for shoulder surgery, the remaining group is still stacked: Mikhail Sergachev, Alexander Nikishin, Vladislav Gavrikov, Artem Zub, Nikita Zadorov, and Dmitri Orlov.
It’s a blend of size, skill, and snarl. Sergachev brings championship pedigree and offensive upside.
Gavrikov and Zub offer steady, reliable presence in their own end. Zadorov adds physicality, while Orlov’s two-way game fits perfectly in a tournament where transition play can make or break a medal run.
Larionov emphasized that in a best-on-best format, physicality alone doesn’t cut it - you need players who can think and execute at a high level. That’s a subtle but clear message: skill wins in these tournaments.
Up Front: A Forward Group That’s Flat-Out Terrifying
Let’s start at the top. Larionov’s first line features Evgeny Malkin centering Nikita Kucherov and Kirill Kaprizov.
That’s three elite playmakers, each capable of taking over a game. Kucherov’s vision, Kaprizov’s creativity, and Malkin’s power down the middle - it’s a nightmare for opposing defenses.
The second line isn’t far behind: Artemi Panarin, Pavel Buchnevich, and Kirill Marchenko. There’s speed, finesse, and goal-scoring touch across the board. Panarin and Buchnevich have long been a dynamic duo, and Marchenko’s emergence as a scoring threat adds even more punch.
Then comes the third line - and here’s where things get really fun. Ovechkin, Namestnikov, and Demidov.
Ovechkin’s name speaks for itself, but putting a young, high-skill winger like Demidov on his flank could’ve been electric. Demidov’s creativity and vision would’ve meshed well with Ovechkin’s shoot-first mentality, while Namestnikov’s versatility would’ve helped balance the line.
The fourth line? Vasily Podkolzin, Fedor Svechkov, and Ivan Barbashev.
That trio brings energy, grit, and enough scoring touch to keep opponents honest. It’s the kind of depth that separates medal contenders from champions.
Larionov’s extras included Andrei Svechnikov, Ilya Mikheyev, Ivan Provorov, and Ilya Lyubushkin - all players who could step into the lineup without missing a beat. That kind of depth is a luxury few countries can match.
What Could Have Been - and What Might Still Be
There’s no doubt Russia would’ve entered the tournament as a favorite with this roster. The mix of veteran leadership, elite skill, and goaltending depth is tailor-made for international success. And while politics have kept them out of the Games, hockey fans can’t help but wonder what kind of damage this group could’ve done on Olympic ice.
For older stars like Ovechkin and Malkin, this missed opportunity stings a little more. Time isn’t on their side, and it’s unlikely they’ll get another shot at Olympic glory.
But for someone like Demidov, the future is still wide open. With the NHL committed to Olympic participation through 2038, there’s hope that the Canadiens’ young phenom will get his moment on the world stage - assuming the geopolitical landscape allows for it.
For now, all we can do is imagine. But if Larionov’s vision ever came to life, Team Russia would’ve been a force - and Ivan Demidov would be right in the middle of it.