April 10, 2025

Ivan Demidov highlights the next wave of young NHL stars

46 minutes

With Frank Seravalli away for the week, Jason Gregor was joined by Daily Faceoff Prospect analyst Steven Ellis for today’s episode of The DFO Rundown. There was a lot of Jason to get to with Steven, who is one of the best prospect analysts in the game, as over the last two weeks, we’ve seen a handful of big-name prospects make the jump from college and junior to the NHL.

They kicked off the pod by talking about the New York Rangers handling of Gabe Perreault, who left college but has been sitting in the press box for his first few games with the Rangers. They also talked about what the Flames could do with Zayne Parekh, who could make his debut before the end of the season.

They also touched on the Chicago Blackhawks' next wave of young talent, whether or not Zeev Buium will play in the playoffs with the Minnesota Wild, and how much of an impact Jimmy Snuggerud could have with the Blues.

The biggest news of the week though came from Montreal as the Canadiens announced that 19-year-old Ivan Demidov, the 5th overall pick from the 2024 draft, will be coming over from the KHL to join the team for their playoff run. Steven talked about his potential to be a true superstar and whether or not he can make an immediate impact with the club.

Tyler then joined for a new edition of Buy or Sell where he asked the guys about a handful of teams who have been officially eliminated from the playoffs, the first confirmed playoff matchup, and whose stock Steven is buying ahead of the 2025 draft.

To wrap, they talked about the insane season that Gavin McKenna is having with Medicine Hat and where he could end up next season.

2:45 - The playoff picture

4:00 - The Rangers' handling of Gabe Perreault

6:20 - The Flames with Parekh & Suniev

14:05 - Blackhawks' next wave of talent

18:05 - The Wild & Buium

21:00 - Demidov comes to Montreal

24:10 - Blues & Snuggerud

27:25 - European free agents

33:30 - Buy or Sell

43:30 - Gavin McKenna

Want to hear more from Frank, Jason and the entire DFO team? Subscribe to our YouTube