We have new information regarding Ivan Demidov, Jeff Gorton, and the Montreal Canadiens, coming from TVA Sports journalist Renaud Lavoie.

As recently reported, Kent Hughes and Vincent Lecavalier are currently overseas to observe and meet Ivan Demidov.

It has even been confirmed by Roman Rotenberg, the head coach of SKA Saint Petersburg, that negotiations would take place between the two parties.

The goal is clearly not to bring Demidov to town today but to figure out how to optimize the young prospect’s development.

Roman Rotenberg’s utilization of Ivan Demidov raises questions

Even though the young man has incredible talent, his head coach continues to limit his usage.

For the first time in a long while, he played more than 11 minutes on Tuesday, the first time in 8 games.

Despite his limited ice time, the 5th overall pick in the last draft is producing at a very good pace. He has accumulated 20 points, including 6 goals, in 34 games this season.

As an example of his great talent, Demidov dominated the recent mini-tournament, the Channel One Cup, in which Belarus, Kazakhstan, and foreign players (KHL Stars) competed.

He even emerged as the MVP of the competition.

Jeff Gorton reportedly never visited the KHL to see Ivan Demidov, according to Renaud Lavoie

It had been reported, notably by the site RG, that Jeff Gorton and Nick Bobrov visited Ivan Demidov there earlier this year.

On the airwaves of BPM Sports, Renaud Lavoie added further clarification on the matter.

According to the hockey insider, Jeff Gorton never went to Russia to meet Demidov.

«I also know it had been reported that Jeff Gorton, in October, went there to meet him. That’s not true.

Jeff Gorton never went to Russia in October to see SKA play.»

Renaud Lavoie on Jeff Gorton and Ivan Demidov

Case closed!

Gorton is also not currently present with Hughes and Lecavalier.

It will be interesting to see the results of the negotiations between the two sides.