Photo credit: RG
Ivan Demidov, the Montreal Canadiens, Martin St-Louis, and the management of ice time are back at the center of discussion following yesterday’s difficult game.
This debate is growing even louder with comparisons being made across the NHL. Once again, the Demidov ice-time situation. The numbers speak for themselves, and they’re sparking reactions throughout the hockey community.
Here are the names who play more than Demidov:
“NHL rookie forwards averaging more time on ice than Ivan Demidov (minimum 20 games played):
– Beckett Sennecke
– Emmitt Finnie
– Ryan Greene
– Jimmy Snuggerud
– Ben Kindel
– Easton Cowan
– Arseny Gritsyuk
Ivan Demidov leads all rookies with 19 points in 24 games.”
– Habs On Reddit
Even within his own locker room, the differences are striking. Jake Evans, Juraj Slafkovsky, and Zachary Bolduc often get between 16 and 18 minutes per game, which raises a real question among fans.
A decision from Martin St-Louis that’s drawing wide reaction
Yet the young Russian remains one of the few Canadiens forwards capable of creating something on every shift, and many no longer understand why he stays on the bench so often when the Montreal Canadiens need a goal.
In addition, in my opinion, his defensive play is quite solid, and I don’t think he makes many mistakes in his own zone. Some analysts are even calling it overly cautious management. To me, it’s clear that Montreal cannot afford to limit this kind of talent while the team is desperately looking for offense.
For many, if Martin St-Louis’ decision doesn’t change soon, the topic will come back even stronger. And honestly, I think this debate will continue as long as the young player’s usage doesn’t match his production.
I truly believe an adjustment could help the entire group.
Previously on All Montreal Hockey
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More bad news for Demidov? Why Martin St-Louis is facing fresh criticism
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