PUBLICATION

Leo Honein
February 14, 2026  (9:28 PM)



Jan 12, 2026; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Third star of the game, Montreal Canadiens right wing Ivan Demidov (93), salutes the crowd after the end of the game against the Vancouver Canucks during the third period at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

While his teammates battle for gold in Italy, Ivan Demidov continues to train in Montreal, but he’s keeping a close eye on the tournament.

The young prodigy took part in an interview with the HFTV team, and his answers are likely to make many Canadiens fans smile.

First, staying true to form, he remained very diplomatic when asked to predict a winner.

He refused to commit, pointing out that the competition is too fierce.

“It’s impossible to predict what will happen,” he said wisely.

He still made sure to mention that Finland and Slovakia have very strong teams, without naming a favorite.

But it’s the rest of the interview that’s particularly interesting.

Ivan Demidov really enjoys playing with Juraj Slafkovsky

When asked which teammate he would immediately like to join to play at the Olympic Games if he had the chance, his answer came right away.

Without hesitation, he named Juraj Slafkovsky and Slovakia.

Just imagining Demidov wearing a Slovak jersey alongside the big No. 20 gives you chills.

It would be incredible to see!

The potential chemistry between these two young talents will be a major topic of conversation in Montreal for years to come.

Seeing them reunited on international ice would be an amazing spectacle, but for now, fans will have to wait before watching them together again at the Bell Centre.

In any case, Demidov’s choice confirms one thing: he’s already looking forward to forming a devastating duo once again with the Slovak forward.

Previously on Montreal Hockey Fanatics

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