Here's What Lightning Coach Jon Cooper Really Thinks About Ivan Demidov

Ivan Demidov's meteoric rise through the hockey world is turning heads everywhere — and now even rival coaches are speaking up about the young Russian phenom. The Montreal Canadiens' prized prospect-turned-impact player is drawing praise from some of the sharpest minds in the NHL, and the latest endorsement might be the most telling one yet.

Tampa Bay Lightning head coach Jon Cooper, widely respected for his keen eye for talent, recently shared his unfiltered thoughts on the Canadiens' electric young forward. And let's just say, he didn't hold back. Cooper praised Demidov's game in glowing terms, calling his future "fantastic" while noting that the 20-year-old is already making waves in the present. According to Cooper, it's simply a matter of the young attacker continuing to learn the nuances of the game — gaining experience and maturity that naturally come with time. But the real bombshell? Cooper acknowledged that comparisons between Demidov and Tampa Bay's own Nikita Kucherov are "probably justifiable." That's no small statement. Kucherov is one of the most dominant offensive forces in the league and a cornerstone of the Lightning's dynasty-era success. For a coach of Cooper's stature to validate that kind of comparison speaks volumes about just how high the ceiling is for Montreal's number 93.

From Russian Dominance to NHL Stardom

Demidov's path to the NHL reads like a blueprint for elite talent development. Before arriving in North America, the young Russian attacker absolutely dominated the MHL — Russia's premier junior league — posting back-to-back seasons of 62 and 60 points. He then proved he could compete against professionals in the KHL, collecting 49 points in 65 games with SKA St. Petersburg during the 2024-25 campaign. That kind of production against grown men, at such a young age, was a clear signal that Demidov was ready for the next challenge.

Selected fifth overall in the 2024 NHL Draft, Demidov wasted no time making his presence felt with the Canadiens. His 2025-26 season has been nothing short of impressive, as the rookie tallied 61 points — 18 goals and 43 assists — across 79 games. Those numbers place him firmly among the top first-year players in the league and have cemented his status as a cornerstone piece of Montreal's rebuilding efforts. His career totals already sit at 63 points in 81 NHL games, a remarkable pace for someone who only recently made the transatlantic jump.

Why Montreal Fans Have Every Reason to Dream Big

What truly sets Demidov apart from other talented rookies isn't just his point production — it's the way he plays. At just 20 years old, he displays a level of on-ice maturity and hockey IQ that belies his age. His vision, creativity, and ability to manufacture scoring opportunities for his teammates are reminiscent of the league's elite playmakers. The poise he shows under pressure and his seemingly effortless adaptation to the faster, more physical North American game have left observers stunned.

If Jon Cooper's assessment is anything to go by, the Canadiens aren't just developing a promising young player — they may be nurturing a future superstar. Cooper emphasized that Demidov's growth trajectory is still in its early stages, meaning the best is very likely yet to come. For a franchise that has been patiently building toward its next era of competitiveness, having a talent of this caliber already producing at a high level is an enormous boost.

Montreal's faithful have endured their share of tough seasons in recent years, but Demidov's emergence represents exactly the kind of franchise-altering talent that makes the rebuilding process worthwhile. With rival coaches already comparing him to one of the game's most lethal offensive weapons, the excitement around the young Russian is only going to intensify. The learning curve, as Cooper pointed out, is far from over — and that might be the most thrilling part of all for Canadiens fans looking ahead to what's next.