Ivan Demidov vs. Kirill Kaprizov: A Glimpse Into the NHL’s Next Great Russian Star
When Ivan Demidov entered the NHL, the comparisons to Kirill Kaprizov came fast and often-and for good reason. Both are electric Russian wingers with elite skill sets, and while Kaprizov has already cemented himself as one of the league’s premier forwards, Demidov is wasting no time carving out his own path to stardom.
Tuesday night marked the first NHL meeting between the two, and they didn’t disappoint. Each tallied two assists, showing off their playmaking chops in a game that lived up to the billing. But while both stars made an impact, it was Demidov who stole the spotlight-and maybe even nudged the conversation toward who might ultimately have the higher ceiling.
Demidov’s First Chapter Is Already Turning Heads
From the opening faceoff, Demidov was everywhere-buzzing through the neutral zone, creating space with slick edge work, and threading passes that deserved better finishes. He could’ve easily walked away with more than just a pair of assists if a few more of his setups had been buried. His vision and timing are already elite, and he’s doing it all without the benefit of top-line minutes.
Kaprizov, to his credit, had his own moments of brilliance. But Montreal’s win, powered in large part by Demidov’s relentless motor and creativity, had fans and analysts alike wondering: could the Canadiens’ 20-year-old phenom eventually outpace Minnesota’s established superstar?
That’s not just hype-it’s supported by the numbers. Kaprizov didn’t make his NHL debut until age 23.
Demidov, still just 20, is already producing like a seasoned pro. Byron Bader of Hockey Prospecting even laid it out in visual terms, showing that Demidov’s development curve is tracking nearly two years ahead of where Kaprizov was at the same age.
**“What is Demidov going to look like at age 25 in the league?” Bader asked.
“Could be something really incredible.” **
And it’s hard to argue with that. Through 50 games in his first full NHL season, Demidov has racked up 43 points-11 goals and 32 assists-while averaging just over 15 minutes of ice time per night.
That’s remarkable efficiency for a teenager still adjusting to the North American game. And remember, this is just year two of his three-year entry-level deal with Montreal.
He’s not even close to his physical or developmental peak.
Montreal’s Future Runs Through No. 91
The Canadiens didn’t expect Demidov to be available when they picked fifth overall in 2024, but when he fell into their lap, they didn’t hesitate. And now, less than two seasons later, it’s clear they landed a franchise cornerstone.
You could feel the buzz when he made his debut. Fans packed the Bell Centre just to catch a glimpse of him in warmups. That kind of energy doesn’t happen by accident-it’s reserved for players who bring hope, excitement, and the promise of something special.
And Demidov hasn’t just lived up to that hype-he’s exceeded it.
His hockey IQ is off the charts. He reads the game like a veteran, processes plays at lightning speed, and has the hands to execute whatever his mind sees.
What’s scary is that he’s still learning when to shoot versus pass. Once he finds that balance and starts using his shot more consistently, his production could hit another gear entirely.
The Ceiling? We’re Not Sure There Is One Yet
It’s too early to crown him the next Kaprizov-or to say he’ll surpass him. But the tools are all there.
The skill. The vision.
The competitiveness. And most importantly, the drive to keep improving.
Demidov isn’t just a highlight-reel player. He’s the kind of forward you build around. The kind that changes the direction of a franchise.
Montreal has something special here. And if this is what Demidov looks like at 20, the rest of the league better start paying attention-because the kid is just getting started.