The Montreal Canadiens reportedly value Russian striker Ivan Demidov just hours before the draft.

Journalist Anthony Martineau also shared the information on the social network X (formerly Twitter). According to everything that is circulating, the Blackhawks are wavering between Demidov and Artyom Levshunov in second place.

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If he is available, “according to various sources, he would be CH’s first choice should he become available,” reported the TVA Sports journalist.

Demidov would have had a good meeting with the Habs.

“Kent Hughes’ questions were about his personality as well as the type of player he was and believed he could become,” said Anthony Martineau.

During his stay in Las Vegas, Demidov is also said to have spoken with the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Seattle Kraken.

Cayden Lindstrom, for his part, is likely no longer available to the Habs.

“The interest of several teams, including some of the top four, would have increased considerably after receiving the medical report on the young man’s back,” said Martineau.

The rumors are “very well founded” on the possibility of seeing Cayden Lindstrom in the top 5. The Flyers and the Blue Jackets also value the attacker very much.

A Quebecer would have “seduced” the CH.

In addition, Quebecer Sacha Boisvert has caught the Canadian’s attention, according to the journalist. Recruiter Serge Boisvert took part in the last two individual training sessions on the ice in Trois-Rivières.

“From what I have been told, Nick Bobrov in particular would have been completely seduced by Sacha’s interview at the Combine,” wrote Martineau.

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