Canadiens Select Demidov Fifth in NHL Draft

In the 2024 NHL Draft, the Montreal Canadiens selected Ivan Demidov fifth overall and Michael Hage 21st, boosting their offensive prospects significantly. Demidov, a standout in the Russian junior leagues, is expected to join Montreal after his KHL contract ends in 2025. The draft also saw Tij Iginla, son of Hall of Famer Jarome Iginla, picked sixth overall, marking a higher draft position than his father achieved. Anton Silayev, a top Russian defenseman, was selected tenth by the New Jersey Devils and is seen as a future cornerstone for the team's defense. The draft featured significant talent, with six of the first ten picks being forwards despite predictions of a defense-heavy selection.