Canadiens Prospect Selects Jersey Number, Debut Soon

The Montreal Canadiens are getting a huge boost to their lineup as they continue to pull away in the Eastern Conference wild card race. After his season in the KHL came to an end, the Canadiens were able to get top prospect Ivan Demidov out of Russia to North America.

Fans of the Canadiens have been following Demidov’s rookie campaign in the KHL all year and he could make an immediate impact as Montreal looks to surprise everyone in the playoffs.

It won’t happen right away, but there is an expectation that Demidov will make his NHL debut on Monday when the Canadiens take on the Chicago Blackhawks. According to RG, the Monday contest would give Demidov a few days to take practice reps and start to get a feel for the new environment.

Not only is Demidov joining a new team, he will have to deal with a smaller ice rink, a new system to play in, and a new culture after spending the last season with St. Petersburg in Russia.

Demidov has been preparing for this transition, though, and is excited about the new opportunity in North America.

While everyone is looking forward to Demidov’s debut, another question everyone has been asking is what number will he wear? Demidov wore No. 91 with St. Petersburg, but Oliver Kapanen currently wears that number in the Canadiens organization.

Demidov is left his options open, and landed on a small change for his first shot at the NHL. The Canadiens announced that Demidov will wear No. 93 for the rest of the season.