With the Chicago Blackhawks weighing their options at the second overall selection, meeting with Ivan Demidov down in Florida is a meaningful portion of the draft process before next week's event.
Ivan Demidov is in Florida meeting with teams prior to the 2024 NHL Draft. The Chicago Blackhawks are there to meet with Demidov, including having dinner with the potential No. 2 pick on Tuesday.
Photo: Yuri Kuzmin/KHL
On Tuesday, NHL teams finally had the chance to speak and meet with several Russian NHL Draft prospects in Florida at the Gold Star showcase. The most notable name at the showcase for the Chicago Blackhawks is Ivan Demidov. The potential second overall pick is in person and able to speak with a number of teams.
According to a few reports of those on the scene, Demidov is taller than expected, speaks very good English, and is adamant about coming to North America and joining his NHL team once the KHL playoffs are over next season.
The Russian winger is currently listed at 5-foot-10 but has been said to be at least six feet tall by multiple reporters. Additionally, his ability to speak English has reportedly surprised so many people. Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson was confirmed at the showcase, and Chicago's brass is expected to have dinner with Demidov on Tuesday evening.
If Demidov is everything the Blackhawks hoped for, this could be the dinner that settles their decision. With the 2024 NHL Draft just a week or so away, the Blackhawks are the team truly "on the clock." The San Jose Sharks are prepared to take Macklin Celebrini with the first overall selection in the draft, so the Blackhawks are the first team with a tough decision to make.
Will Kyle Davidson take the uber-skilled Russian winger, or will Artyom Levshunov be the No. 2 pick as Davidson looks to bolster the blue line? We'll find out for sure in a week, but Tuesday's dinner could be the turning point in the process.
