Montreal Canadiens Coach Martin St. Louis Praises Prospect Ivan Demidov's Remarkable Puck Possession and Defensive Zone Dominance

Montreal Canadiens head coach Martin St. Louis has offered a glowing assessment of prospect Ivan Demidov, highlighting the young player’s exceptional ability to “own pucks” across all zones of the ice. St. Louis elaborated on Demidov’s impressive compete level, noting that his puck-winning prowess extends beyond the offensive zone and into the defensive end. This tenacity, according to the coach, allows Demidov to positively influence subsequent plays and effectively regain possession for his team. St. Louis specifically pointed to Demidov’s “strong stick” as a key asset in his defensive capabilities, enabling him to consistently win puck battles and disrupt opposing offenses. The coach’s comments suggest that Demidov possesses a well-rounded game, characterized by a tenacious attitude and a high level of skill in both puck protection and retrieval. This detailed praise from a prominent figure like Martin St. Louis indicates a high level of confidence in Demidov’s potential and his readiness to contribute at higher levels of play. The emphasis on “owning pucks” in both offensive and defensive zones signifies a player who understands the importance of possession in all facets of the game, a crucial trait for modern hockey players. Demidov’s ability to win pucks back, coupled with his strong stick, suggests a player who is not only skilled offensively but also defensively responsible and defensively engaged. This dual threat makes him a potentially valuable asset for any team. The coach’s detailed breakdown of Demidov’s strengths provides valuable insight into the prospect’s game and why he is generating such excitement within the Canadiens organization. St. Louis’s consistent use of the phrase “owning pucks” underscores the central theme of Demidov’s game: an unwavering determination to control the puck and make plays happen. This relentless pursuit of possession is often a hallmark of successful hockey players, and it appears Demidov embodies this quality to a significant degree. Furthermore, the mention of Demidov being “able to help the next thing” implies that his puck-winning actions create further opportunities and positive outcomes for his teammates. This indicates a player who not only performs individual feats but also contributes to the overall team effort and flow of the game. The focus on defensive zone puck battles is particularly noteworthy, as it demonstrates a commitment to playing a complete 200-foot game, a quality highly valued by coaching staffs. A player who can effectively contribute to puck recovery in his own end is invaluable for establishing offensive zone pressure and limiting opponent scoring chances. The combination of offensive skill, defensive tenacity, and strong puck-handling abilities paints a picture of a highly promising prospect for the Montreal Canadiens. Source: Chris G

Chris G: #Habs Martin St. Louis on Ivan Demidov “He’s owning pucks. His compete level… he’s owning pucks not just in the O-zone, but in the defensive zone, too. He’s owning pucks and he’s able to help the next thing. He’s winning a lot of pucks back, too—he’s got a strong stick. He. #breaking

— @ChrisHabs360 May 1, 2026