Should The Habs Try Ivan Demidov With Suzuki and Caufield

During Monday’s episode of Le Sick Podcast avec Tony Marinaro, co-host Eric Hoziel brought up the idea that the Montreal Canadiens should consider trying Ivan Demidov on the top line with Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield. While having the three most pure-skilled forwards on a line together would be fun to watch, would that be the right move?

Est-il le temps de donner une chance à Ivan Demidov sur le premier trio?👀#lesickpodcast @TonyMarinaro @erichoziel @belly2020 pic.twitter.com/WORpHJCEmo

— The Sick Podcast with Tony Marinaro (@thesickpodcasts) January 26, 2026

Over the last week or so, the 2nd line of Demidov-Kapanen-Slafkovsky has dried up offensively. This is what got Hoziel to mention the possibility of the Russian forward being someone that the Canadiens could consider bringing up to create more offence on the 1st line. In theory, it would likely be a great move to create more offence on the top line, but they would be giving up some serious 2-way play that someone like Alexandre Texier brings to that line as a temporary solution.

– Watch how quickly Ivan Demidov races for the puck on the Habs game-tying goal last night and creates a turnover behind the net.

– Demidov scans Nick Suzuki all alone and once he’s got the puck back from Caufield, he outwaits the D-man for a split second before making a nifty… pic.twitter.com/5GBj3HCjZw

— /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) December 31, 2025

At just 20 years old, Demidov is an insane talent, but he still needs to work on his defensive game a little bit more before we can say that he’s ready for 1st line deployment. A good example of how Demidov can be a liability defensively for the top line is a situation similar to the Vegas Golden Knights’ first goal on Tuesday night. Demidov always trying to create the best offensive chances brings risks, and sometimes his plays can lead to his teammates getting caught up if they can’t handle his pass, much like Alexandre Carrier on this play.

“Dorofeyev with Bowman. Dorofeyev shoots, AND SCORES!

“He waited, pulled, and went upstairs on Dobes. Dorofeyev delivers the goal — his 23rd of the season. 1-0 @GoldenKnights with 11:22 to go in the first period.”

🎙️ @Dan_DUva & @garylawless

📻 @FoxSportsLV 94.7 FM / 1340 AM,… pic.twitter.com/Mu2demqqjO

— Golden Knights Radio (@VGKRadioNetwork) January 28, 2026

Now, it isn’t Demidov’s fault, as Carrier likely shouldn’t have pinched there, but his style of play can be very risky, as if the play doesn’t click, odd-man rushes can form. With that being said, that is one of the reasons that it may not be the best idea to promote Demidov up to the first line with Caufield and Suzuki, as they need more of a guy who can be more responsible and not try to take too many risks alongside me.

The main reason is that Demidov being put with the other two most skilled players on the team leaves an imbalance within the Habs forward group. Sure, Juraj Slafkovsky is great and has shown he can be the main play driver on his line with Demidov, but the reality is that it was both Slafkovsky and Demidov that made their line so dominant together. By removing Demidov or Slafkovsky from that 2nd line, it is likely to struggle, as they are the main duo for that trio.

The chemistry between Juraj Slafkovsky & Ivan Demidov & Oliver Kapanen is undeniable.

And it’s only getting better.

pic.twitter.com/HYYJknwkge

— /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) January 2, 2026

The 2nd line may have slowed down, but Demidov and Slafkovsky will eventually get things going again, whether it is with Oliver Kapanen or not. They have formed an amazing duo over the last 25 or so games, and that shouldn’t be broken up, the same way that the Caufield-Suzuki duo sticks together.

I’ve noticed that what makes a good line is having a duo that sticks together while having someone that complements those two players well. Oftentimes, that 3rd guy is interchangeable, but when it comes to stacking up your top line, aside from it being late in a game and in need of a goal, it’s not always the best idea for the team as a whole. Therefore, personally I wouldn’t put Demidov on the top line.

Would you consider playing Demidov with Caufield and Suzuki, or would you rather leave him in a duo with Slafkovsky?