NHL.com is providing in-depth roster, prospect and fantasy analysis for each of its 32 teams from Aug. 1-Sept. 1. Today, the top five prospects for the Montreal Canadiens, according to NHL.com.

1. Ivan Demidov , F

How acquired: Selected with No. 5 pick in 2024 NHL Draft

2024-25 season: SKA St. Petersburg (KHL): 65 GP, 19-30-49; Montreal: 2 GP, 1-1-2

Demidov's arrival captivated the Canadiens fan base in a way few prospects have before him.

"He comes, his flight's one of the most tracked flights ... I did not fact-check it, but in aviation history," general manager Kent Hughes said. "Then he's got people live-streaming [his arrival] in the airport in Toronto. He comes out to a standing ovation his first game in Montreal and scores ... and then all of a sudden he's in the playoffs."

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