Kovalev Urges Demidov’s Efficiency, Declines Tribute Night Offer

Alexei Kovalev recently expressed his views on the Montreal Canadiens, focusing on their growth and potential. He believes the team has made significant strides, attributing their progress to a mix of youth and experience. Kovalev remarked that the organization demonstrated patience during the rebuilding phase, suggesting they are nearing the end of this process.

Kovalev’s Insights on Ivan Demidov

Kovalev acknowledged comparisons between him and rising star Ivan Demidov. Some analysts consider Demidov a more refined version of Kovalev. Tony Marinaro of Sick Media even compared Demidov’s potential to that of star player Nikita Kucherov, citing his impressive early season statistics of 14 points in 19 games.

• Kovalev emphasized the importance of scoring, advising Demidov to focus on producing points.
• He shared insights from his own experiences, stating coaches encouraged him to shoot more during his early career.
• Kovalev also highlighted the young Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer as an example of effective play.

Kovalev is particularly impressed with Schaefer’s leadership qualities and work ethic. He currently favors Schaefer for the Calder Trophy, praising his confidence and capability to handle significant minutes.

Prospects for the Canadiens

The Canadiens’ recent performance raises questions about their playoff prospects. Kovalev noted the team’s stability post-drop-off, expressing optimism about their potential return to prominence. He believes that if they manage to secure a playoff spot, they could progress to the second round.

Tribute Night and Future Plans

On December 3, the Canadiens will honor Andrei Markov with a tribute night at the Bell Centre. Markov, who played 16 seasons in Montreal, maintains a strong connection to the city. Although Kovalev was proposed for a similar honor, he declined due to responsibilities in the KHL.

• Kovalev stated, “I have a job to do here, and it’s very important to me.”
• He expressed gratitude for the invite but confirmed his commitment to KHL duties prevented him from attending.

Looking ahead, it’s possible that Kovalev will return to Montreal when his schedule allows, hoping to reconnect with the fans and the city he holds dear.