photo of Ivan Demidov Photo credit: NHL

We’re all eager to see Ivan Demidov play his first game with the Montreal Canadiens, and one of the most common questions regarding Demidov’s debut concerns his linemates.

Who will be his two partners?

On that note, the excellent Dany Dubé, who is very well informed, and often close to the team, just shared a rather surprising suggestion.

Two New Linemates for Ivan Demidov Have Just Been Identified by Dany Dubé

As for Demidov, let’s first remember that he took his first strides in a Canadiens uniform yesterday morning in Toronto, during an optional skate.

Regarding Martin St-Louis’ new line combinations following Demidov’s arrival, most experts and fans believe that young Oliver Kapanen will simply be “pushed” off the second line, and that Demidov will play with Alex Newhook and Patrik Laine.

But that’s not what Dany Dubé thinks.

Speaking on 98.5 Sports, he stated:

“But for the next two games, at least until the team officially clinches a playoff spot, I don’t see the need to break what’s been built over the last two months.

The coach has worked very, very hard to build something, players have made sacrifices, have accepted less important roles within the team.

At some point, it’s fragile. I think people in hockey understand that very well.

The best ‘fit,’ to avoid shaking up what you’ve built, is to place him with another newcomer (Kapanen).

And Demidov is a good playmaker. I’d play him with No. 92..”

– Dany Dubé

In short, the analyst wouldn’t want to touch the first line (Suzuki’s), nor the third line (Dvorak’s), but he would place Demidov with Oliver Kapanen and Patrik Laine, not Alex Newhook.

“But it’s not Oliver Kapanen who would be affected, according to him, since he’d keep him on that line with the other two.

It’s Alex Newhook he would move to the fourth line.

However, he specifies that he wouldn’t take away his power play minutes.”

– Marco Normandin

Interesting!

The full segment is right here:

“I’d play him with No. 92..”
– Dany Dubé

And you, would you like to see the Kapanen (91), Laine (92), and Demidov (93) line come to life Monday night?