Expectations around Ivan Demidov are already climbing fast in Montreal, and Jim Biringer thinks the bar for a strong season is sitting much higher than a modest step forward.
Speaking on TSN Radio in Montreal, Biringer said he sees Demidov as a player who can reach the 80-point range this season and even push toward a point per game.
“Yeah, I got to say, 80-85 points is a successful season. I think expectations are high for Ivan Demidov, right?
Daniel and Simon. I think that’s the way you have to look at it.
You expect the players to take the next step. We saw it with Cole Caufield.
We saw it with Nick Suzuki. (Juraj) Slafkovsky coming along.
I think everybody expects Ivan Demidov to pop off now. 62 points is great. Now can you get to 80?
Can you get to 85? Yeah, 70 is great, but it’s only a small increase.
I think everybody wants to see that next jump because they know he’s such a great player for this team.
He can drive play. He can do everything from the side, from the wing.
Again, he needs a second-line center, but he can facilitate, and we’ve seen some of the best players in the world facilitate from the wing. I love what I’m seeing from Ivan Demidov.
All these young guys want to be in Montreal. They want to practice together, be together, the chemistry.
So, to me, a successful seed is 80- 85 points for him.”
When the host followed up and asked whether Demidov could still be a point-per-game player if he spent the full season with Alex Newhook and Jake Evans, Biringer didn’t blink.
“Yeah, absolutely. I think.
Look, I think Alex Newhook is really underrated. I liked what I saw from him last year.
Again, he had some injuries. But when he was there, he was so effective, and they have talent coming, right?
And everybody’s gonna wait for Michael Hage to come.
But Demidov’s so good. He could be a point-per-game player from where he plays on that wing.
He can drive play, and I love what I’m seeing from him. He’s only getting better.
He’s getting bigger, stronger, and faster. He knows what to do and understands the NHL.
He’s going to be just fine, and I do agree; I do feel that he can be a point-per-game player from the position he plays.”
The Canadiens’ recent moves only add to the sense that the pressure and the opportunity are both growing for Demidov. Montreal added Chris Kreider on Saturday, then extended Zachary Bolduc on a four-year deal on Sunday.
According to the note attached to the report, Kreider’s arrival gives the second line the edge it needs with a physical presence, while also giving Demidov a scoring threat who can finish plays. Since Demidov is described as a pass-first player, the expectation is that the setup around him could help fuel a big year.
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