Montreal, a city where hockey isn`t just a sport but a religion, recently witnessed a glimpse into its potential future. On a crisp September evening in 2025, the iconic Bell Centre buzzed with an energy usually reserved for playoff battles, not a rookie prospects game. Yet, the fervent anticipation was palpable, a testament to the insatiable hunger of the Canadiens faithful for new heroes. And among the young hopefuls, one name reverberated through the arena: Ivan Demidov.
The Demidov Spectacle: A Star Confirms His Luster
The atmosphere was electric, bordering on the fanatical. One might forgive a casual observer for thinking it was a pivotal regular-season matchup, not an early look at developing talent. Yet, the nearly sold-out crowd hung on every shift, every stickhandling move, particularly when the puck found the blade of Demidov, the 19-year-old Russian phenom. It seems some still needed a nudge that he was playing, but once he stepped on the ice, all doubts vanished.
Demidov`s performance against the Winnipeg Jets prospects was nothing short of a masterclass. He wasn`t just participating; he was dictating. His vision and puck control were on full display as he effortlessly set up linemates Florian Xhekaj and Oliver Kapanen for crucial goals. But it was his own highlight-reel goal—a solo effort showcasing remarkable skill—that truly brought the Bell Centre to its feet, chanting his name with a fervor that suggested he was already a seasoned superstar. “I remember last year was the same,” Demidov remarked with a hint of measured confidence, a response to a question about getting used to the adulation. His quiet “We`ll see” spoke volumes, hinting at a future where such accolades might become commonplace.
This wasn`t a one-off. Demidov`s pre-Montreal exploits in the KHL and his initial appearances in a Canadiens uniform last spring already hinted at his prodigious talent. As the fifth-overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, the `superstar` label might seem premature, even hyperbolic. Yet, watching him effortlessly dissect defenses and generate offense, it feels less like hyperbole and more like a simple statement of fact.
“Every time you send (Demidov) on the ice, you get the impression something`s going to happen. And something does happen, and we get a chance to score,” noted Laval Rocket head coach Pascal Vincent, who was behind the Canadiens` bench for the night. “He`s a player who can make the difference on every shift. For a coach, that`s fun to have.”
Vincent’s words echoed the sentiments of many: Demidov`s impact isn`t luck; it`s a product of honed skill and innate talent. While his privilege to coach Demidov for this weekend might be fleeting, the spectacle he provided for the fans promises to be a lasting memory, and indeed, a prelude to a much grander show.
Beyond Demidov: A Deep Pool of Talent Eclipsing Expectations
While Demidov rightfully stole the headlines, the prospects game also offered encouraging glimpses of other burgeoning talents, suggesting the Canadiens` future extends far beyond one star player:
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Florian Xhekaj: Skill Meets Grit
Much was made of Xhekaj`s 15-pound offseason gain, preparing him for the physical demands of the NHL. However, his performance alongside Demidov and Kapanen underscored his often-underappreciated skill and hockey sense. Contributing a goal and an assist, Xhekaj proved he`s more than just a power forward; he`s a complete player capable of making offensive contributions while still throwing his substantial frame around.
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Jacob Fowler: The Wall in the Crease
The 69th pick in the 2023 Draft and reigning NCAA goaltender of the year, Jacob Fowler, delivered a flawless Bell Centre debut, stopping all 11 shots he faced in his half-game appearance. His calm demeanor and efficiency offered a reassuring presence in net, hinting at a promising future between the pipes.
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David Reinbacher: Poise Amidst Rust
David Reinbacher, the fifth-overall pick from the 2023 Draft, showed flashes of brilliance despite admitted rust from a knee injury that sidelined him last season. His poise, fluid skating, and astute hockey sense were evident, even when occasionally beaten one-on-one. As one scout observed, “You can just see it in his movement, and in the way he always seems to know what he’s going to do in advance.” Reinbacher`s own candidness about continuous improvement suggests a mature approach to his development.
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Owen Beck: The Versatile Intellect
Pascal Vincent`s assessment of Owen Beck, the 33rd-overall pick in 2022, was spot-on: “He’s a guy who skates, who goes to the net, who’s physical, who can play on the power play as well as the penalty kill, who can play on the wing or at centre. He’s got a lot of interesting tools, and he’s a cerebral guy.” Beck’s versatile skillset and high hockey IQ make him an invaluable asset for any team, promising a significant role in the Canadiens` future.
The Canadiens Legacy: Privilege and Promise
Beyond individual performances, the prospects game highlighted the profound significance of donning the Canadiens jersey. Coach Vincent eloquently articulated the emotional weight this privilege carries:
“For some guys, unfortunately, it’s the only time they’re going to wear an NHL jersey. Just to experience that is the story you’re going to tell your kids and grandkids. And at the same time, I feel we can evaluate players on how they react when you’re on the big stage… When I told Luke Tuch that he was going to be the captain… he said, ‘Coach, you have no idea what it means to me to have the ‘C’ on my jersey, wearing the Montreal Canadiens logo.’ I don’t know what it means to him, but I know it’s big. It’s a huge privilege.”
This sentiment encapsulates the unique bond between the Montreal Canadiens and its players, a legacy that transcends wins and losses. For these young prospects, the Bell Centre isn`t just an arena; it`s a proving ground, a dream realized, and for a select few, the first step on a path to etched-in-history glory.
Conclusion: A Future Worth Watching
The September 14, 2025 prospects game was more than just an exhibition; it was a powerful statement. Ivan Demidov’s mesmerizing performance, coupled with the promising displays from Xhekaj, Fowler, Reinbacher, Beck, and others, paints a vibrant picture of the Montreal Canadiens` future. The faithful in Montreal have long yearned for a resurgence, and in this talented crop of youngsters, particularly in the dazzling brilliance of Demidov, they see not just potential, but a tangible promise. The Demidov show, indeed, has only just begun, and the Canadiens` faithful are more than ready for the full season premiere.
Ellis Thorne