Polling Scouts: Demidov draws comparisons to NHL greats, past and present

MONTREAL — The only people who hate small sample sizes more than data analysts are scouts. No matter how telling first impressions are, it's their job not to read too much into them.

They don't jump to conclusions; they approach them meticulously, creating player profiles based on multiple views. And they don't fill out these profiles without weighing their own opinions against the data and intelligence they gather through conversations with everyone they can track who is close enough to the player to offer the context that will allow for the most in-depth analysis possible.

So it was expected that some of them might sigh at the thought that their earlier versions would be Ivan Demidov published after 17 years of player^th NHL game (regular season and postseason combined).

But for your benefit, they agreed to play along – however, only after they were granted anonymity.

Five of them are currently working on other teams, so putting their names next to their analyzes would be a failure.

The other two are hockey figures whose analysis I've relied on for most of my 17 years covering the NHL. The former has played nearly 1,000 games in the league, and the latter is a master scout who has also worked in nearly every other front office position over four-plus decades in the league.

Combining their experience with that of the five scouts we encountered at Canadiens games in Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver last week, a comprehensive assessment of Demidov was constructed, despite the tiny sample size of the 19-year-old NHL phenom.

This spoke volumes about how little variation there was in responses to the three-question survey, especially since each participant was unaware of what the others were saying.

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

2. What do you remember most about his performance?

3. What will he have to work on the most to reach his ceiling as quickly as possible?

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

1. I don't like comparisons because it's unfair to the player, but he has some good qualities 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 athletic level and strength for his age.

2. Patience, ability to handle the puck, and a willingness to keep the puck on your stick during important moments of the game. I wasn't afraid of the moment.

3. You need to get stronger, learn the defensive game, learn to play predictably in your zone – be structured, disciplined and consistent in your defensive habits so that your teammates (and even coaches) can anticipate what you will do to allow the defensive unit to rely on each other when chaos inevitably ensues in the D-zone. Predictable defensemen control pucks, stay within systems, and don't chase the play. As always, it takes time for young players to become consistent in this regard, but consistency in this regard is key to a player realizing his star potential.

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

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

3. I think about my skating. As strong as he is, he can and will become faster.

1. In terms of offense, he reminds me of Pavel Datsyuk. Not only because they are always on the inside when in possession of the puck, but because the brain, arms and legs work together to manipulate defenders and make plays. Same fast and smooth puck handles with great range and body control.

2. Demidov’s level of skill and passing ability is off the charts. Already one of the most experienced and best passers in the NHL. Uses great deception and patience to open lanes and make high-quality plays throughout the offensive zone.

3. I think one area he needs to improve in to become one of the best forwards in the NHL is his shooting. I wish he was more of a threat. A one-time goal from the wing or a shot from long range will end his attacking play.*

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

1. A more hardworking version of Russian Evgeny Kuznetsov. It's about moving from east to west and being willing to try anything without fear.

2. Puck handling and skating skills to move from east to west. His courage to try anything.

3. Playing defensively on the board and teaching him to hit more when he is in a great position rather than pass to a player who may be in a worse position than him.

1. He reminds me a little of Paul Kariya in how elusive Paul was with the puck in tight spots. He was a great passer. Remember the 2002 Olympics with Mario Lemieux and his on-ice relationship with Teemu Selanne. Both players are masters of deception and precision.

2. His puck skills are significant. Can hold the puck longer in tight spaces, much like what Peter Forsberg would do. Demidov does this so well and it allows his teammates to break out of coverage and have more scoring opportunities.

3. He will need to work on his ability to clear pucks out of his zone when he is pinned by defensemen. He will also need to work on his one-shot skills and develop the ability to shoot first when scoring opportunities arise.*

*This answer was also made before the game in Vancouver.

1. Skates like McLean Celebrini. Intelligence and talent like Pavel Datsyuk. Some Nikita Kucherov was in it when he was placed on half a wall on the PP.

2. Offensive instincts. High level of skill and talent.

3. He will need to become physically stronger and gain experience. In my opinion, you still need to be patient with these things.

Combination 1 and 2: What stands out most about his game is his offensive acumen, his instincts, his feel and his high-end talent. The puck always seems to find him in the offensive zone. His elusiveness and creativity are special. It's not often you come across a player with such a natural ability to find space and distribute pucks in tight circles, especially given the attention he gets from opponents. He can beat you in many ways when confidence increases; he's a slick shooter and playmaker similar to Kirill Kaprizov, Nikita Kucherov, Artemi Panarin and Elias Pettersson (when he's at the top of his game).

3. It is difficult, based on a limited view of a player, to assess his barriers/limitations to growth. But Martin St. Louis will need to trust him to defend against the best players with the little details in mind. He seemed to be given quality starts and opportunities in the offensive zone, but struggled to get plays out of his zone under pressure, which is common with young, learning, high-end hitters who focus on performance and stats rather than the “details” that help you win.

At the same time, Demidov has enough swagger and confidence to draw others into battle with him in attack. If he can continue to improve his defensive system and parts, he will have the image of an elite player in this league.