The Promise of Matvei Michkov and Matvei Demidov
Having watched both Matvei Michkov and Matvei Demidov for an extended period, and having covered Michkov’s season, I believe both players are destined to be stars in the league. However, they bring different skill sets and face unique challenges as they navigate through their professional careers. These differences are crucial when discussing their development and future potential.
Michkov’s Journey: Challenges and Progress
Matvei Michkov has had a challenging but fruitful season. He has 17 goals and 22 assists in 56 games, a significant achievement considering the rigors of the NHL. The most games he played in the MHL was 50, which underscores the adjustment he has had to make. The pace, the lack of spacing compared to the KHL, and the sheer number of games have all taken a toll on his performance at times. However, Michkov’s resilience is evident. After a dip in his play, he rebounded with a three-point game following the 4 Nations break. The physical toll of playing around the net has been noticeable, as he often becomes a target, but he continues to adapt and improve.
Demidov’s Potential: Skills and Adaptation
Matvei Demidov, on the other hand, has played 57 games this season, giving him a better taste of what an NHL season entails. Demidov’s skill set is slightly different from Michkov’s. He is a better skater and can score from further away, which could be advantageous in the NHL. His one-timer is impressive, and he is often the first to pucks, making him a formidable force. Both Michkov and Demidov are lethal within five feet of the net if they have any space, which is a valuable trait in today’s fast-paced game. Demidov’s skating ability and scoring range suggest that he might score more points when he makes the transition to the NHL.
The Importance of Confidence
For any Russian rookie, especially those who are not as seasoned as Kirill Kaprizov, gaining confidence early in games is crucial. This has been evident with both Michkov and Demidov. Confidence can fuel their performance and help them adapt to the higher level of play. Michkov has shown significant improvements in his off-puck play in the NHL, which is a positive sign for his development. Demidov will face similar challenges when he comes over, and he will need to learn and adapt quickly to the North American game.
Learning and Development
Demidov has already shown some learning curves in his current role. He has missed some shifts, indicating that he is still in the process of understanding the game at this level. This is a natural part of the development process, and it will be interesting to see how he grows and evolves. When Canadiens fans eventually wake up to the news that Demidov is coming over, they can expect a player who is still learning but has the potential to be a significant asset to the team. The transition to the NHL will be challenging, but his skills and adaptability suggest that he will thrive.
Looking Ahead: The Future of the Canadiens
The future of the Canadiens looks bright with the addition of players like Michkov and Demidov. Both are young, talented, and have the potential to become key contributors to the team. While they will face challenges, their resilience, skill, and ability to learn and adapt will be crucial in their development as NHL stars. Canadiens fans have much to look forward to as these players continue to grow and make their mark on the league.
