A serious injury changes everything for Kent Hughes ahead of the draft

Major news has just dropped involving the young forward Ivan Demidov, the 2nd best player available in the 2024 NHL draft after Mackin Celebrini.

Currently, all eyes of Habs fans are on the draft, but especially on the 2024 lottery. (now that the season is over)

There is obviously the jackpot, the 1st overall pick and Macklin Celebrini, who is much talked about, but the 2nd best player available is also extremely interesting.

The young Ivan Demidov has been described by some experts as being a Matvei Michkov, but without the red flags that come with him.


He is extremely talented and he is the best player in this draft class (after Celebrini) without any doubt.

Demidov, 18 years old, is a winger standing 5 feet 11 inches and weighing 185 pounds. He has scored 60 points in 30 games this season in St. Petersburg.

Let's also remember that the NHL confirmed yesterday that the draft lottery will take place on May 7th.


Why are we talking about Demidov today? Because there is a major development regarding him.

A serious injury sustained by Ivan Demidov could change everything at the draft

As reported by Félix Forget, Demidov has just suffered a significant knee injury, and it does not look good. We're talking about a serious injury here.

He is currently on crutches and with a walking boot on his left foot.

This kind of injury, just a few weeks before the draft, can often scare many teams and can have the impact of causing a player to slip a few ranks.

If the Canadiens end up picking 5th in June, could this injury allow Demidov to slip, and especially, allow Kent Hughes to make a huge acquisition?

A case to follow, but it's news that can change everything for certain teams.


Credit: DansLesCoulisses - Ivan Demidov a subi une importante blessure au genou dans les derniers jours