Canadiens: Demidov and Konyushkov Have Impressive Preseason Showings

Two Montreal Canadiens Russian prospects played in the Puchkov Cup tournament this morning.

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2024 fifth overall draft pick Ivan Demidov captained the U23 Russia team in a Puchkov tournament game, while 2023 110th overall pick Bogdan Konyushkov played with HC Torpedo in a KHL preseason match.

Demidov and his team endured a lopsided defeat against Kunlun Red Star. Russia U23 was defeated 7-1, but the positive outlook is that the top Canadiens prospect garnered an assist on the only goal for his team.

Demidov also notched an outstanding goal in the overtime period. The added frame did not count toward the overall score, but the forward dazzled fans by evading two defenders in the offensive zone while carrying the puck. He then found open ice and fired the rubber glove-side.

Demidov continues to display hot hands, having scored two goals in a preseason game with SKA St Petersburg on Aug 22 against HC Sochi. The hope is that he plays a full season in the KHL with SKA, and gets significant ice time in 2024-25.

For Konyushkov, he also notched an assist in his preseason contest. He delivered a breakout pass to a streaking teammate who shoveled the puck on goal, and with a lucky bounce, saw it redirected into the opposing team’s net. This marker tied the game before his team, the Torpedo won 4-3, beating HK Norilsk.

Konyushkov captained Torpedo in 68 KHL appearances last season, racking up a 6-22-28 stat line.

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