The icy silence inside the Bell Centre was shattered—not by the roar of a goal, but by a chorus of boos echoing off the rafters, each one aimed at a hulking figure in a Canadiens jersey, gliding across the ice with the weight of a city on his shoulders. Vladimir Malakhov, once heralded as the defensive cornerstone of Montreal’s hockey hopes, found himself not just battling opponents on the ice, but locked in a psychological war with the city’s unforgiving media and passionate fans. It was the winter of 2000, and as snow blanketed the streets of Quebec, a storm of controversy swirled around Malakhov, culminating in a moment that would forever mark his legacy in Montreal—a moment that, even now, is replayed in grainy video clips and whispered in the corridors of hockey history.

But what really happened behind those closed locker room doors? What did Malakhov see, hear, and feel as he navigated the treacherous waters of media scrutiny, language barriers, and the crushing expectations of a hockey-mad metropolis? The answers are far more complex—and far more human—than the headlines suggested. In an exclusive interview, Malakhov finally breaks his silence, revealing the untold story of his turbulent relationship with Montreal, the personal toll it exacted, and the advice that saved his career from the brink of collapse. His words are raw, unfiltered, and unexpectedly vulnerable, shedding new light on the life of a professional athlete thrust into the harsh glare of public judgment.

Yet, as the Canadiens look to their future, another young Russian skater—Ivan Demidov—steps onto the ice, carrying with him echoes of Malakhov’s journey. Will history repeat itself, or have the times truly changed? The parallels between the two are striking, but as insiders reveal, today’s players are shielded by layers of support and guidance that Malakhov could only have dreamed of. Still, the specter of past controversies lingers, raising questions about adaptation, resilience, and the unique pressures facing those who dare to don the iconic CH crest.

This is not just a story about hockey. It’s a story about identity, belonging, and the invisible battles waged far from the bright lights of the rink. It’s about the delicate dance between athlete and media, the fragile trust between player and fan, and the personal sacrifices made in pursuit of greatness. Malakhov’s saga is a cautionary tale, but also a testament to the power of perseverance—and the wisdom that sometimes, the most important advice comes not from coaches or managers, but from those who know us best.

So what really drove Vladimir Malakhov to the brink? And what secret did his wife share that changed everything? As Montreal’s newest star prepares to write his own chapter, the lessons of the past loom large—and the answers may surprise you. Dive into the full story to discover the hidden truths behind the headlines, the real cost of fame, and the hope that, this time, things might just turn out differently.

Photo of former Canadien Vladimir Malakhov

Photo credit: NHL

Vladimir Malakhov, the former Montreal Canadiens player who is now employed by the Islanders, had strongly recommended the selection of Alexander Zharovsky.

But Kent Hughes cut the grass from under his feet by selecting him early in the second round of the last draft.

That said, the now 57-year-old gave a long interview to journalist Daria Tuboltseva of RG Media, which was shared by Marco D’Amico, and Malakhov reflected on his time with the Canadiens.

At a certain point, the relationship between him and the Montreal media was not very pleasant, notably because he did not speak English well. The situation led him to stop giving interviews to journalists, which earned him a great deal of criticism from some of them.

Malakhov was deeply affected and even thought about retiring, but his wife gave him good advice:

“In Montreal I started fighting with the media – and you must stay on good terms with them. I simply started refusing interviews. They were writing negative stuff, I was trying to fix things in my game, and I buried myself.

I once told my wife: ‘I should retire.’ She said: ‘Are you stupid? Stop reading those idiots.’

I stopped – and everything improved. I slowly began talking to reporters again.

– Vladimir Malakhov

Links to the young Montreal Canadiens forward, Ivan Demidov?

The situation the big defenseman experienced with the Canadiens might worry some fans of the team about Ivan Demidov, however the DLC website offered an interesting and reassuring clarification.

“There may be a link to make with Ivan Demidov because he comes from there and because he is still learning English.

But the difference is that times have changed. And players are also much better supported off the ice.

The guys are a little more protected, in a sense.

And that is a good thing because it can ease their adaptation to the market- which can be really unique at times.”

– DansLesCoulisses

Because let’s say it: Vladimir Malakhov’s stay in the Quebec metropolis ended turbulently in the winter of 2000, when he went skiing at Mont-Tremblant despite being on the injured list.

The media talked about it extensively and, when he returned to play, fans did not hesitate to boo Vladimir Malakhov every time he touched the puck.

You can see this for yourself by watching the following video from his last game in Montreal in 2000.

A few days later, Réjean Houle, who was the Canadiens GM at the time, traded him to the New Jersey Devils in return for a certain Sheldon Souray.

It is probably the best-and only good-trade he made during his five-year tenure with the Canadiens.