Ivan Demidov
SKA Saint Petersburg, KHL, Russia
In the last four games Demidov has averaged five minutes of playing time. While I can be critical of Roman Rotenberg in regard to his coaching, I think the handling of Demidov isn’t as bad as it looks for many Montreal Canadiens fans.
During the last three seasons Demidov has played 45, 47, and 35 games. A full season in the KHL is 68 games, over 20 more than he has previously played. Lowering the ice time in order to have him play as many games as possible rather than burning him out halfway through could end up being a smart thing. Remember that he is taking the step up from the Junior ranks and into the professional game, so there is not only an increase in load but also in strength of competition.
However, I would say that I’d prefer a similar style of setup as Leo Carlsson had with the Anaheim Ducks last year. I’d rather see Demidov get full games and sit out every third game rather than get low minutes in every game. It is also worth considering that if Demidov was scoring tons of points in the MHL, the complaint would be why he wasn’t in the KHL. Montreal has good contact with SKA and the ownership thanks to Nick Bobrov, therefore managing Demidov’s usage should be a smart thing, even if I would have preferred another approach.
Rotenberg, has more money than he can spend and he treats SKA as his pet project, if he would have been interested in sailing (and could travel) he would have been in Barcelona racing for the America’s Cup most likely as a skipper, even if he wasn’t good. In some of the games I have seen over the last few seasons, it seems that an average coach can outcoach him and SKA only wins because of the talent they ice.
Bogdan Konyushkov
Torpedo Nihzny Novgorod, KHL, Russia
Konyushkov continues to play a sound secure game for Torpedo, with the added bonus of adding two assists in Torpedo’s thrashing of Barys Astana (10-1). He has also picked himself up after the game against SKA when he was -3, posting positive plus/minus numbers in all four games of the week.
Makar Khanin
Dynamo Saint Petersburg, VHL / MHK Dynamo Moskva, MHL
The forward is caught between two teams, just like Volokhin. I am not sure where he will play, but I would expect him to be in the VHL at the end of the year. He played two games at the VHL level at the start of the season, but then didn’t play again until this week when he potted one goal and two assists in two games in the MHL. Whether this is a return from injury move or a permanent move remains to be seen.
Yevgeni Volokhin
Mamonty Ugry, MHL / Yugra Khanty-Mansiysk, VHL, Russia
More games at the lower level of hockey for Volokhin, who still keeps playing well in the MHL. With limited games it is tough to make a informed projection but he is playing at the same level as last year.
Aatos Koivu
TPS Turku, Liiga, Finland
Only one game for Koivu, there was nothing to write home about, Ten minutes of ice time, and -2. He is hovering around those 10 minutes a game, which is good for his development.
Oliver Kapanen
Timrå IK, SHL, Sweden / Montreal Canadiens, NHL
Kapanen is currently staying with Montreal Canadiens. I would not be surprised if he goes back to Europe during the season. According to some sources, that could be as late as Valentine’s Day when the transfer window closes in Europe. From Timrå’s side, the statements are that it is Montreal or Timrå, no matter what date a decision is made, except for the February date mentioned.
This will be Kapanen’s last entry in this series unless a return to Europe happens.
Filip Eriksson
Växjö Lakers, SHL, Sweden
Eriksson has been moved around a bit in the lineup as the Växjö Lakers have struggled in the opening part of the season. I am not surprised by his struggles in such a situation. The team is trusting the process and is calm about where it projects the season will go. Montreal should not be worried either.
Rasmus Bergqvist
Skellefteå AIK, SHL, Sweden
The one project that really surprises me is Bergqvist; his smooth transition into the SHL has surprised many. While the focus has all been on Axel Sandin-Pellikka, Oskar Vuollet, and the return of Michael Brandsegg-Nygård from the Detroit Red Wings, Bergqvist has done his job in the shadows. He is reliable, makes the passes he is expected to, gets zone exits, and if the team is in the offensive zone he knows when to cover and when to join the offence.
I am very impressed. I don’t think a Canadian player drafted in the third or fourth round could have adjusted as well to the game in Skellefteå. I am however sure that Bergqvist could have handled himself at that kind of level in the Canadian Hockey League. Obviously having the same system and tactical play for U18s, U20s and the SHL team makes the transition easier, but it is still an impressive development to be trusted and get over 10 minutes a game.
Vinzenz Rohrer
Zürich Lions, National League, Switzerland
The most interesting thing is really Rohrer’s usage as a centre, where he jumped in against the Rapperswil-Jona Lakers. After Malgin’s return, Rohrer has been moved around to the wing on both the third and fourth line while still playing over 15 minutes a night.