The 19-year-old Demidov had a clear path to the net after receiving the puck off the boards, beating out goaltender Arvid Soderblom with a beautiful deke.
The young phenom who led his SKA St. Petersburg squad of the KHL (Kontinental Hockey League) with 19 goals and 30 assists. His 49 points is the most in one season in KHL history for players under 20 years of age.
He practiced on a line with forwards Joel Armia and Alex Newhook, the latter of which said on Demidov, "It’s a big stage and I’m kind of just looking forward to getting the opportunity to play with him.”
Demidov ended up on the third line with Armia and Newhook for his debut.
The former fifth overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft signed a three-year entry-level contract earlier this month that'll run until the end of the 2027 season.
Demidov joins the squad at a crucial moment in the season as they hold a three-point lead over the Columbus Blue Jackets for the final Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference.
If the Canadiens win their game on Monday night, one which coach Martin St. Louis called the 'biggest game of the season", they will clinch a playoff spot.
Shall they go on to clinch, Montreal will take on the Eastern Conference's best - the Washington Capitals.