The Bell Centre lights burn with a rare intensity, but on this December night, the spotlight isn’t just on the ice—it’s following a young star making headlines for reasons no one saw coming. Ivan Demidov, Montreal’s electrifying new forward, has just made a move that’s sending shockwaves far beyond hockey’s usual boundaries. While most rookies chase attention, highlight reels, and viral moments, Demidov has quietly vanished from the digital world. In an era where every athlete’s life is an open book, he’s slammed the cover shut, leaving fans and media scrambling for answers.

Rumors swirl in the corridors of the Bell Centre and across the city’s bustling sports bars: Did Demidov delete his social media accounts on a whim, or was it a calculated decision? Was this the advice of a seasoned agent, or the self-driven resolve of a young man wise beyond his years? All anyone knows for certain is that, according to his agent Dan Milstein, Demidov wiped every app, every profile, and every notification from his phone. The world of likes, retweets, and instant feedback is gone—replaced by a singular focus on hockey and family.

This off-ice move is as bold as any play Demidov has made on the rink. Just months ago, he and his girlfriend, Ekaterina Yakovleva, chose to spend their entire summer in Montreal, immersing themselves in the city’s rhythm and the Canadiens’ culture. It was a step that spoke volumes about his commitment to the team and its demanding market. Now, with his digital silence, Demidov is taking that dedication to an entirely new level. He’s not just preparing his body and skills—he’s fortifying his mind, building an invisible wall against distractions that derail so many young careers.

Inside the locker room, teammates nod in admiration. Coaches see a player who isn’t just here to play; he’s here to win. Demidov’s agent reveals more in a candid interview with RG Media: “Ivan focuses only on hockey and family. He spent the entire summer in Canada training and preparing. His personal stats don’t really matter to him. He just wants to help his team win—that’s what drives him.” It’s a philosophy that echoes through the halls of Montreal’s storied franchise, a throwback to the days when legends cared more about banners than headlines.

For Demidov, the numbers on the scoreboard matter more than the numbers on his phone. He doesn’t track analytics, doesn’t obsess over his own goals or assists. His dream, as Milstein shares, is to bring the Stanley Cup back to Montreal for the first time since 1993—a goal that has eluded generations of stars and haunted the city’s passionate fanbase. At just 20 years old, Demidov is already showing a maturity and a sense of purpose that’s rare in professional sports.

Fans are left guessing: What inspired such a radical decision? How will it shape Demidov’s future, and could it spark a new trend among young athletes battling the pressures of fame and expectation? As Montreal rallies behind their newest sensation, one thing is clear—the story of Ivan Demidov is just beginning, and it’s unfolding in ways no one expected. The next chapter promises to be as riveting off the ice as it is on it.

Dec 18, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens forward Ivan Demidov (93) plays the puck and Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Wyatt Kaiser (44) defends during the first period at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images

Photo credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images

The young Montreal Canadiens forward, Ivan Demidov, is truly having an impressive start in the NHL.

He is impressive on the ice, but also off it.

First, remember that Demidov and his girlfriend, Ekaterina Yakovleva, made the decision to spend the entire summer in Montreal.

Clearly, Demidov wanted to make sure he was 100 percent ready for a market like Montreal, and he has just taken another major step in that direction.

Ivan Demidov has left social media

The story does not say whether he was advised to do so, but it is still a significant move. According to what his agent Dan Milstein said in an interview with the site RG Media, Demidov chose to remove social media.

“He deleted all social media from his phone and completely disconnected from the media. I’m not even sure he knows about the betting odds – we’ve never talked about them. Ivan focuses only on hockey and family. He spent the entire summer in Canada training and preparing.”

– RG Media

Demidov wants to focus solely on hockey and on his family, which is a very good thing.

“His personal stats don’t really matter to him. I’m pretty sure he doesn’t even track analytics the way fans or journalists do. He just wants to help his team win – that’s what drives him. His dream is to bring the Stanley Cup back to Montreal for the first time since 1993.”

– RG Media

It is impressive to see a 20-year-old step away from social media, and it is now confirmed that Demidov has indeed left all platforms.

We are 100 percent behind him.

His agent, Dan Milstein, also mentioned that the Canadiens’ number 93 does not care at all about his statistics.

For Demidov, the most important thing is helping the Montreal Canadiens win as many games as possible. We love it.