“Ivan Demidov proves he’s not just relying on talent—he’s putting in the work, even if it means paying for extra ice time out of his own pocket this summer.”
Ivan Demidov’s commitment to becoming the best version of himself is something that can’t be overlooked. While his raw talent is already evident, it’s his unrelenting work ethic that truly sets him apart. Recently, it was revealed that Demidov, the young forward for the Montreal Canadiens, took it a step further to improve his game by paying for extra ice time out of his own pocket this summer—a move that clearly speaks to his dedication.
As Tony Marinaro discussed on the Stanley25 podcast, Demidov’s decision to forgo returning to Russia this summer wasn’t only about hockey. The Russian player made the conscious choice to stay in Quebec, knowing that returning home would likely require him to fulfill his mandatory military service. While many would have opted to spend the summer at home or focus on rest, Demidov’s decision to sacrifice both time and money shows how far he’s willing to go to ensure he’s ready for the season ahead.
Demidov’s commitment to improving his game is not new. He’s always been one of the first to hit the ice for the Canadiens’ practices, and one of the last to leave. But it’s his decision to pay for ice time—something that not every player would do—that really emphasizes the level of dedication he has. Ice time in Quebec arenas is not cheap, especially for a player still working his way up in the NHL. But Demidov didn’t let that stand in his way. He knew that to take his game to the next level, he needed more reps, more time skating, and more opportunity to refine his skills.
This kind of mentality is exactly what makes Demidov a player to watch in the future. While some might rely solely on their natural ability, Demidov understands that it’s the hard work behind the scenes that leads to success. He is a player who is actively investing in his development, not just for the upcoming season, but for the long-term growth of his career. This isn’t just about a single season—this is about creating a legacy and doing everything possible to be successful in the NHL.
The Canadiens organization must be thrilled with Demidov’s mindset. Not only does this kind of dedication help the individual player, but it also sets a positive example for teammates and establishes a culture of hard work within the team. With so many players relying on pure talent to get by, it’s refreshing to see a young star like Demidov take full responsibility for his own improvement.
What’s particularly impressive is that Demidov isn’t doing this for the recognition or the accolades. He simply wants to improve. He knows he has the potential to be a great player, but it’s the extra effort, the grind, and the sacrifice that will turn that potential into results. Demidov’s story is a powerful reminder that talent is just the beginning—true greatness is made through dedication, discipline, and a willingness to go the extra mile, even when no one is watching.
As fans, it’s hard not to be excited for what’s to come from Demidov. If this level of commitment continues throughout his career, there’s no telling how far he can go. The Canadiens have a special talent on their hands, and with his work ethic, Demidov could become a core player for the team for years to come.
For the second straight week, the Carolina Panthers have started off the practice week with the worst possible news. It can be argued that losing Rico Dowdle would be the worst possible loss this offense could sustain (maybe this entire team), and he was once again held out of practice on Wednesday.
Last week, it proved to be precautionary after a very physical contest in Green Bay where he clearly got banged up. Last Sunday, though, Dowdle looked more ineffective than usual. Part of that can be attributed to the Saints, but clearly, Dowdle is not 100% right now.
However, based on the reporting coming out of Charlotte, this is nothing to be too concerned about. The AP’s Steve Reed reports that Dowdle is expected to practice tomorrow. The Panthers cannot lose their most crucial offensive player, but it doesn’t look like they’re going to.
Dowdle’s workload has gone way up lately, and he’s come down with a few nagging tweaks in that time. It’s no surprise that the veteran back is being treated with the utmost caution. If he does get hurt, this offense would be in dire shape.
His status tomorrow will tell us the full story, but as of now, it doesn’t look like Panthers fans or Fantasy Football managers need to be too concerned about the running back. Joining Dowdle in the DNP section are Lathan Ransom and Trevin Wallace.
Derrick Brown was limited, but the Panthers are not too worried about the issue. He should also practice tomorrow. Ransom could play this week after hand surgery, and Wallace is likely out on a week-to-week basis.
The Panthers will head to Atlanta this weekend to try and prevent the Falcons from getting revenge for a 30-0 loss in Charlotte, and they’ll need all hands on deck. They will also try to keep dwindling playoff hopes alive and avoid falling under .500 for the first time since Week 5.
For the most part, the Panthers haven’t lost any other contributors, though the Injured Reserve does have crucial members of the team on it now.