The Chicago Blackhawks could have a difficult resolution between no less than two extremely touted possibilities with the Deny. 2 select on the NHL draft then presen in Las Vegas.
They took a step nearer to narrowing that selection.
Representatives from the Hawks started the primary of a number of conferences Tuesday with possibilities represented by way of agent Dan Milstein, together with Russian winger Ivan Demidov and Michigan Circumstance defenseman Artyom Levshunov, who’s Belarusian.
“Today’s the first day of our next five days,” Milstein, who represents most commonly Russian shoppers, mentioned in regards to the personal camp in Fortress Lauderdale, Fla. “Over the next five days, he (Demidov) and all of my clients will be meeting with all 32 teams.”
Milstein declined to mention how a lot hour the Hawks plan to spend interviewing each and every participant, however then mentioned the crew met with Levshunov for lunch and Demidov for dinner.
Utmost while Hawks normal supervisor Kyle Davidson mentioned he valued the chance to take a seat unwell with Demidov and others.
“You want to get to know them and what their motivations are, what their ambitions are,” he mentioned.
Each gamers manufacture a catch 22 situation for any crew compelled to make a choice between the two of them — until a dark-horse 3rd candidate pulls off a awe.
Demidov is seen by way of many draft watchers as a flexible ahead who may just aid Connor Bedard snatch the Hawks’ offense to every other degree.
“Arguably he’s one of the most skilled players in the draft class,” Dan Marr, vp of NHL Central Scouting, instructed the Tribune in Would possibly.
At the alternative hand, blueliners as well-rounded as Levshunov don’t come round each draft.
“He can contribute offensively, but he’s just got a complete game,” Marr mentioned.
Demidov comes with some query marks, together with two knee accidents closing season and wave healing from an ankle trauma, which Milstein addressed — to an extent.
“He’s rehabbing in Florida,” Milstein mentioned. “He should be on the ice in about two weeks.”
Additionally, previous experiences indexed Demidov as 5-foot-10 however Milstein mentioned he’s anticipated to measure 6-1 all through Central Scouting’s reputable measurements Thursday.
“Because Russians haven’t participated in the international tournaments in a number of years, that’s probably the latest they have on him, from years ago,” the agent mentioned.
Milstein showed that Demidov has one week left on his KHL word however declined to touch upon what degree he’ll play games at then season.
Over the while two seasons, Demidov has performed a handful of video games for SKA St. Petersburg on the senior KHL degree.
Utmost season for the juvenile league (MHL) crew, he recorded 23 targets and 37 assists in 30 ordinary season, and 11 targets and 17 assists in 17 playoff video games.
Central Scouting, who ranks him because the Deny. 2 world skater within the draft, lists Demidov for granted wing, however his agent mentioned he’s obvious to taking part in heart.
“He can play left, right and center,” Milstein mentioned. ”Completely incorrect choice.”
