The camera catches Ivan Demidov’s face, eyes locked on the action, helmet tilted just so, as he sits perched at the end of the Montreal Canadiens bench. The Bell Centre crowd surges with energy, but Demidov’s expression is a portrait of restless anticipation—a young star who knows he should be in the thick of the battle, yet remains anchored to the sidelines, waiting for the tap on the shoulder that too often never comes. It’s a striking image, one that perfectly captures the brewing frustration surrounding his usage, and one that’s rapidly becoming the focal point of debate across the Canadiens’ fanbase.

Game after game, Demidov’s talent flashes like lightning—quick hands, sharp instincts, the kind of offensive creativity that transforms ordinary shifts into highlight reels. He’s not just promising; he’s producing, with 18 points in 23 games and a knack for making plays that few others on the roster can replicate. Yet, as the final buzzer sounds, the stat sheet tells a different story: Demidov ranks among the least-used forwards on the team, his ice time trailing behind not just established veterans, but journeymen like Joe Veleno and even first-game newcomers like Alex Texier.

It’s a pattern that’s becoming impossible to ignore. In the recent matchup against Vegas, Demidov logged just 12:07 on the ice—less than Veleno, less than Texier, and barely more than fourth-liner Florian Xhekaj. The numbers don’t lie, and neither do the reactions. Fans are baffled. Analysts are raising eyebrows. Social media is ablaze with questions and criticism, wondering how a player with Demidov’s upside can be so consistently overlooked when the team needs every spark it can get.

Is it a matter of trust from head coach Martin St-Louis? Is there a hidden tactical reason, or is Demidov simply being asked to pay his dues in a system that values experience over raw potential? The answers are elusive, and the frustration is mounting—not just for Demidov, but for anyone who sees the future of the Canadiens in his dazzling, underutilized skillset. Every shift spent on the bench feels like a missed opportunity, every minute lost a small setback in a season where development and momentum are everything.

The situation is especially perplexing when you consider Demidov’s impact. Five goals, thirteen assists, and a steady improvement in the subtler aspects of his game—defensive reads, positioning, and physical engagement. He’s earning his ice time in every conceivable way except, it seems, on the actual clock. As the Canadiens continue to search for consistency and a winning formula, the decision to keep Demidov’s minutes limited is starting to look less like strategy and more like a self-inflicted wound.

Tonight, as Demidov once again watches more than he plays, the questions linger. Will Martin St-Louis finally unleash his young star, or will the pattern persist until frustration boils over? The answer could shape not only Demidov’s season, but the trajectory of the entire Canadiens rebuild. For now, the image of a restless, hungry talent sitting on the bench is both a warning and a rallying cry—a story that demands to be followed to its conclusion.

Nov 11, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens right wing Ivan Demidov (93) looks on against the Los Angeles Kings during the first period at Bell Centre.

Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

There is a situation that is starting to become difficult, involving the young Montreal Canadiens forward, Ivan Demidov.

Even though he is clearly one of the best forwards on the team, even though he could benefit so much from meaningful ice time, it simply does not seem to be happening (at least for the moment) for Demidov.

I do not know if it is Martin St-Louis who is not able to trust him, but game after game, Demidov is among the least-used players on the Montreal Canadiens.

It is absolutely unacceptable, and I would even say ridiculous, to see that a player like Joe Veleno is getting better ice time than Demidov. And not just a little. We are talking about almost a full minute more for Veleno (compared to Ivan Demidov).

Ivan Demidov continues to be glued to the Montreal Canadiens bench more often than not and is even being used less than Joe Veleno

It is extremely difficult to understand.

“Lowest time on ice among all Habs forwards vs Vegas:

– Florian Xhekaj: 11:02 mins
– Ivan Demidov: 12:07 mins
– Joe Veleno: 12:52 mins”

– HabsOnReddit

Despite this disappointing usage, the young Ivan Demidov has accumulated an impressive 18 points in 23 games this season, including 5 goals, and he continues to improve several important aspects of his game.

It will be something to monitor in the next games, and I understand there is context, but I come back to Joe Veleno.

In my book, it is extremely difficult to understand that Joe Veleno plays almost a minute more than a young talent like Ivan Demidov.

Even mewcomer Alex Texier ended up playing more than Ivan Demidov in his first game with the Canadiens, logging 13:41 of ice time.

And you, what is your opinion regarding Demidov’s ice time?