Polling Scouts: Demidov takes on NHL greats, past and present

MONTREAL — The only people who hate small sample sizes more than data analysts are scouts. No matter how first impressions are usually made, it’s their job to avoid putting too much stock in them.

They don’t jump to conclusions; They pedantically inch their way towards reaching them, building the profile of the players on many views. And they don’t complete those profiles without balancing their own opinions with the data and intelligence they gather through conversations with someone they can track who’s close to a player to offer context that will enable the deepest possible analysis.

And so, it was expected that some of them might be crying at the thought that their initial Ivan Demidov was published after 17 of the player.^th NHL play (regular season and post-season combined).

But, for your benefit, they agreed to play together – even if only after being anonymous.

Five of them currently work for other teams, so putting their names next to their reviews would be a non-starter.

The other two are HockeyLifers that I’ve leaned on for analysis for the better part of my 17 years covering the NHL. The first played nearly 1,000 games in the league, and the second is a master scout who has also served in nearly every other front-office capacity in the league over four-plus decades.

By combining their expertise with the five scouts we attended last week’s Canadiens games in Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver, a comprehensive assessment of Demiyev was created despite the 19-year-old phenom’s minuscule NHL sample size.

It was telling how little variation there was in the responses to the three-question survey, especially with each participant not privy to what the others had to say.

1. Who does Demidov remind you of (past or current players) and why?

2. What stands out to you the most about his game?

3. What work would he need to do to reach his roof as quickly as possible?

Here are the answers, slightly edited for clarity and flow.

1. I don’t like the competition because it doesn’t suit the player, but he has some good parts of Mitch Marner and Alex Kovalev when they started in the league. But, at the same time, he differs from these two players in his competition level and strength at his age.

2. Patience, puck skills, and willingness to stick to his stick in big moments of the game. Don’t panic now.

3. Need to get stronger, learn the defensive game, learn how to play predictably in your zone – be organized, disciplined and consistent in your defensive habits so your teammates (and coaches too) can anticipate what you will do to allow the defensive unit to rely on each other when chaos inevitably ensues. Anticipatory defenders stay on top of the puck, stay within the structure of the system, and they don’t chase the play. Generally, it takes time for young players to become consistent at this, but consistency in this department is crucial for a player to hit his star potential.

1. Demidov reminds me of Pavel Datsyuk, and not because of his skating, but really because of his one-on-one deception and ability to create space for himself and his teammates.

2. His one-on-one battles and his will to win them.

3. I understand his skating. Because of how strong he is, he can and will be fast.

1. Offensively, he reminds me of Pavel Datsyuk. Not just the way they’re always on their inside corners when they have the puck, but the way the brain, hands and feet are all working together to handle and play defenders. The same sharp and smooth handles with the puck, with great range and physical control.

2. Demidov’s skill level and passing ability are off the charts. Already one of the most skilled and best sides in the NHL. Uses great deception and patience to open up lanes all over the offensive zone to execute high end plays.

3. One area I think he needs to improve on as one of the best offensive players in the NHL is his shot. Would like to see him threaten more shots. Having a timer from the flank or a shot he can score from range will round out his offensive game.*

*This scouting report was filed before Demidov scored on a one-timer from mid-range in Montreal’s 4-3 win over the Canucks on Saturday.

1. A hard-working version of fellow Russian Evgeni Kuznetsov. It’s the East-West movement and the willingness to try without fear.

2. Skill and skating to move east-west. His courage to try anything.

3. Defensive-board play, and learning he has to shoot more when he’s in a bigger spot than going to a player in a worse spot than him.

1. He reminds me a bit of Paul Curry in how elusive Paul was with the puck in tight areas. He was a great traveler. Think of the 2002 Olympics with Mario Lemieux and his on-ice relationship with Timo Selani. Both players are masters of deception and precision.

2. His pitching skills are key. Can hold on a little longer in tight areas, much like what Petr Forsberg would do. Demidov does this very well, and it allows his teammates to break free from coverage and have better scoring opportunities.

3. He will need to work on his ability to get chip picks out of his own zone when defensemen pin him. He will need to work on his one-time skills and develop a shot-first mentality when scoring opportunities become available.*

* This answer also came before the Vancouver game.

1. Macklin skates like Celebrini. Brains and talent like Pavel Datsyuk. Some Nikita Kucherov in this when standing on the half-wall on the PP.

2. Aggressive instincts. High skill and talent level.

3. He will need to be physically strong and gain experience. You still need to be patient for these things, in my opinion.

Combining 1. and 2.: What stands out most about his game is his offensive flair, his instincts, his feel, and his supreme talent. Sure seems to find him consistently in the offensive zone. His imagination and creativity are special. You don’t see too many players with that natural ability to find space and distribute pucks in tight spots, especially with this focus from opponents. He can defeat you in many ways when confidence is turning; He is a deceptive shooter and playmaker, similar to Kuril Kaprizov, Nikita Kucherov, Artemi Panarin and Elias Petterson (when he is at the top of his game).

3. Hard, based on the limited view of the player, to develop its constraints/limitations. But Martin St. Louis will need to be able to rely on him defensively against top players with little detail. He seems to have been given quality offensive zone starts and opportunities, but he struggled to move the play out of his own zone under pressure, which is typical of young, learning, elite offensive players who will focus on production and stats rather than “details” that will help you win.

With that being said, Demidov has the bravado and confidence to aggressively drag others into battle with him. If he can continue to improve his defensive system and detail, he has the makings of an elite player in this league.