Arseni Gritsyuk with Ivan Demidov’ puppy, Celine (Photo courtesy of gritsyuk_81 on Instagram)
Rising Fame – and a Puppy Named Céline
Of course, the transition hasn’t been without its quirks. For the first time, Demidov is experiencing real fame. In Russia, he was a highly touted prospect, but in Montreal — a city that treats hockey players like rock stars — it’s a different level of attention altogether.
“People recognize him everywhere,” Gritsyuk said. “We were in a restaurant and someone came up: ‘Are you Ivan Demidov?’ Vanya answered, ‘No, sorry, you’ve got the wrong person.’ And this was in Ottawa!”
If he can’t even slip under the radar in another city, fans can imagine what it’s like for him in Montreal, where hockey talk dominates the airwaves and even casual fans know the names of top prospects.
Adding to his growing persona is his new puppy, a maltipoo named Céline. When the name surfaced, many assumed it was a deliberate nod to Quebec’s most famous musical export, Céline Dion, who had the honor of announcing Demidov’s name at the NHL Draft. It seemed like a perfect story — until Gritsyuk clarified the truth.
“I also thought he named her after Céline Dion,” he laughed. “But Vanya said that wasn’t the case. He just didn’t want to give the dog a Russian name — it felt strange. So they picked a common local name instead.”
Even if the choice was coincidental, the story has only added to Demidov’s charm. For fans, Céline the dog has already become a character in the larger narrative of Montreal’s new star.
Focused on Hockey
For all the attention off the ice, Demidov’s real focus is on the ice. According to Gritsyuk, the young forward’s training regimen is relentless. It’s worth noting that Demidov didn’t have the luxury of training in the summer of 2024, as he nursed an ankle injury right up until the start of the KHL pre-season. So, now, fully healthy and hungry to hit the ground running next season, the young forward has taken full advantage of all the resources at his disposal.
“He loves it,” Gritsyuk said. “He works out twice a day – in the gym and on the ice. Sometimes he even skates in the evening. He has everything he needs, and he’s enjoying it. He’s working with a personal coach. Unlike last year in SKA, he isn’t trying to bulk up with muscle. He even slimmed down a little. He says he doesn’t want to get too heavy and feels good at 190-193 pounds.”
That shift speaks to his understanding of the NHL game. While size matters, the league continues to evolve toward speed and skill, and Demidov is positioning himself to thrive in that environment. Canadiens coaches and management will no doubt appreciate his commitment to tailoring his preparation in a way that best fits the team’s long-term needs.
Finding His Place Off The Ice
Adjusting to a new country, language, and culture is no small task, but Demidov is settling in quickly. Beyond training, he’s already dipping into the social side of NHL life. This summer, he attended the weddings of Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki and fellow NHL forward Patrik Laine — not bad company for a teenager just breaking into the league.
Perhaps most important has been his bond with Lane Hutson, the reigning Calder Trophy winner. Both youngsters have been training together regularly and spending time off the ice as well this summer, creating chemistry that will be essential to the success of Montreal’s rebuild.
“They train together a lot and hang out. They’re around the same age, so they have plenty in common,” said Gritsyuk.
After living near the Bell Centre in the spring, Demidov has now moved into an apartment he rents from defenseman Nicolas Meloche, who now plays for Dinamo Minsk in the KHL. It’s a small detail, but an important one: having a stable home base makes all the difference in easing the stress of such a big life transition.
The Next Step
For all the adjustments, the story keeps coming back to hockey. Demidov’s talent is undeniable, and if his preparation pays off, the Calder Trophy chatter won’t just be speculation — it will be reality.
“Overall, everything is going great for him,” Gritsyuk summed up. “The only downside is all the attention – but that’s a small price to pay for all the good things happening.”
Every few years, hockey gifts its fans a player who feels like more than just a prospect — someone who carries with him the aura of inevitability. Demidov is that player for Montreal.
Demidov isn’t just the Calder favorite — he represents hope, promise, and the possibility of something special in Montreal. If his summer preparation is any indication, he’s not just ready for the challenge. He’s embracing it.