Habs news never rests. There are eyes on super prospect Ivan Demidov and there is talk about what moves the Montreal Canadiens might make next.  

Demigod 

Ivan Demidov still has a real chance to end up as the points leader in the KHL (if he gets the playing time he deserves), and also as the rookie points leader. He currently has 19 points; the league leader has 22 points. The Habs 2024 fifth overall pick is on pace for 51 points in 68 games. That may not sound like he’s killing it, but keep in mind that highly touted Flyers rookie, Matvei Michkov, scored 41 points in his Draft +1 season.  

18-year-old Ivan Demidov tops the new KHL Players Rating. pic.twitter.com/NrvALneZyo

— KHL (@khl_eng) November 6, 2024

As Sick’s very own Grant McCagg has been pointing out for some time, Demidov’s points per 60 leads all players in the KHL. This is a major reason why everyone rolls their eyes in disbelief every time the SKA head coach makes him a healthy scratch, or only gives him eight minutes of ice time in a game such as in SKA Saint-Petersburg’s 2-1 loss to Kunlun Red Star, which is even more confusing considering the game prior to that where the two teams faced off against each other saw Demidov put up 4 points 

The Kuznetsov-Demidov cycle and Ivan's perfect pass were too much for Kunlun players. 😮‍💨 pic.twitter.com/IfmhvoPY6N

— KHL (@khl_eng) October 23, 2024

There has been speculation that his ice time is a direct result of his refusal to ink a contract extension, a rumour that his coach denies, but it is hard for anyone outside Russia to think that it isn’t a factor considering the offensive production and solid defensive play from the 18-year-old. 

Savard On His Way Out?

David Savard is in the last season of his 4-year deal paying him $3.5 million AAV. With a rebuilding team like Montreal, it is no surprise that fans and even insiders believe Savard will be dealt by the trade deadline this season. One, or perhaps more Cup Contenders may feel he is the final piece, a physical, shot-blocking defender that can eat up minutes on the penalty kill.  

It is true that he is a reliable right-shot defender who also has Stanley Cup experience, winning with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2021. But, and this is a really big but…..Hughes is also on the lookout for this type of player to add to the Habs roster. Add in the fact that Savard is a local who speaks French and signed with Montreal as a destination for his family, and it means Hughes is not going to trade this type of player without a high payment. A first may be enough depending on the range, but if there are multiple teams, there may be more in the returning package. 

Xhekaj in High Demand 

Darren Dreger pointed out recently on TSN Radio, Arber Xhekaj’s physical style and potential as a top-four defenseman is attracting interest across the NHL. While there is no indication that any actual conversations have been had, he did note that at least 10 teams would have interest. He argued, “If Kent Hughes ever decided to put Arber Xhekaj on the trade block, there’d be double-digit teams interested in Arber Xhekaj.” It’s not clear how open the Canadiens are to moving him, but his name has been out there in the rumour mill. Logic suggests the team isn’t willing to give up on Xhekaj yet, but they may entertain offers just to see what the return would look like. 

Struble overcommits after bobbling the puck, but it's a great defensive play from Arber Xhekaj to end the danger. pic.twitter.com/0uSmLmoddQ

— Matt Drake (@DrakeMT) November 6, 2024

With Martin St. Louis making Arber a bit of a pet project, trying to get him to settle himself into his own game and become more consistent, it doesn’t sound like Montreal is open to moving the young defenseman. Obviously, Xhekaj is not being shopped on the trade market, but that doesn’t mean Hughes isn’t going to listen to offers. If a team comes in with a high enough offer, it might be possible to see him moved. However, the GM needs to be careful as the Sheriff is more than just a fan favourite, he’s a gritty, physical defenseman with a heavy shot, an underrated ability to make transition plays, and boasts a serious intimidation factor that makes him popular in the room, and capable of giving the Habs a solid third pairing option at a very cost-effective cap hit.