Montreal Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes confirmed on Wednesday that highly-touted prospect Ivan Demidov will not join the team this season. Thanks to his ongoing contract commitments in the KHL, Demidov is definitely on the team’s radar, but he won’t be making a jump to the NHL until those commitments are filled.

During his mid-season press conference, Hughes explained that Demidov’s KHL contract is an issue for the team this season. Frank Seravalli reports that it now extends until May 31, “effectively preventing him from making the jump to the NHL in the near term, “which makes it tougher to envision the scenario Demidov can play this season.”

Demidov is playing exceptionally well in the KHL (31 points in 40 games), and Canadiens scouts and fans are excited about his potential. As he continues to develop overseas, Hughes stressed the importance of being patient with the young man’s development.

Hughes revealed that he recently traveled to Russia to watch Demidov play in person and meet with him face-to-face. “The objective was to see him play and evaluate his progress firsthand. When you draft someone, they become part of your family, and building that relationship is crucial,” Hughes said in French during his remarks.

It is believed that Nick Bobrov, the Canadiens’ co-director of amateur scouting, played a key role in evaluating Demidov before the NHL Entry Draft. Bobrov, who has extensive ties to Russia, presumably led the scouting efforts and pitched for Demidov’s selection. Hughes traveled to see him play in person, noting that once a player is drafted, “they become part of our family.”

Hughes and the Canadiens Excited About Demidov’s Future

Despite the delay and the fact the Canadiens have worked themselves into the playoff conversation, the Canadiens view Demidov as a long-term asset. It’s better for the team that they have him on a team-friendly deal when he’s more NHL-ready, and the club is regularly competing for a playoff spot.

Hughes talked about the high number of draft picks the team has and that he can use them to fill holes and acquire what they need, if deals become available. Timing that correctly with Demidov’s move to the NHL will be critical. Fans remain optimistic that his eventual arrival will bring with it one of the next big stars for the franchise. The more time he gets to play overseas, the more likely it is that turns out to be true.