--- title: "Canadiens' Zharovsky, Demidov to Train Together in Montreal" description: "Montreal Canadiens prospects Alexander Zharovsky and Ivan Demidov will train together in Montreal this summer, signaling a new development strategy." url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/l-agent-d-alexander-zharovsky-confirme-la-nouvelle-que-tous-01479c4e published: 2026-06-10T04:38:06.398+00:00 updated: 2026-06-10T04:38:06.398+00:00 author: "Kostadin Stamboliev" publisher: "Pineido" site: "Sportopod" language: en topics: ["motorsport"] --- # Canadiens' Zharovsky, Demidov to Train Together in Montreal > Montreal Canadiens prospects Alexander Zharovsky and Ivan Demidov will train together in Montreal this summer, signaling a new development strategy. The Montreal Canadiens are making a deliberate bet on their future by having two of their most promising prospects train together under the team's roof this summer. Alexander Zharovsky, a forward selected in the first round of the 2024 NHL Draft, will spend 40 days in Montreal working out with Ivan Demidov, the highly touted Russian winger taken fifth overall in 2024. The arrangement was confirmed by Zharovsky's agent. Both prospects will have access to the Canadiens' coaching staff, training facilities, and medical resources during the offseason. This is not just a standard summer skate. By bringing Zharovsky and Demidov to Montreal, the Canadiens are creating a controlled environment for skill development, strength conditioning, and integration into the organization's culture. The proximity also allows the team to monitor their progress closely and accelerate their NHL readiness. The move reflects a broader shift in the Canadiens' rebuild philosophy. Rather than leaving prospects to train independently or in distant junior leagues, the organization is investing in hands-on development. For Zharovsky and Demidov, training together could build on-ice chemistry that pays dividends when they eventually join the NHL lineup. The decision to bring both prospects to Montreal underscores the Canadiens' willingness to invest significant resources into player development. Housing, training staff time, and access to medical facilities for 40 days represent a tangible commitment. For a team still in a rebuild, that investment sends a clear message that the organization is prioritizing long-term gains over short-term savings. There is also a psychological benefit to pairing two high-profile forwards. Training alongside a fellow top prospect can ease the transition for both. They can push each other in workouts, share the experience of adapting to a new system, and build on-ice chemistry that could pay off in games. For Demidov, who has faced intense scrutiny since his draft, having a peer in the same situation may help manage expectations and pressure. Bringing two Russian prospects to Montreal also signals a deliberate effort to ease cultural and logistical transitions. Neither player has extensive North American experience. By having them train side by side, the Canadiens can address language barriers, acclimatization to smaller rinks, and the physical demands of the NHL before they ever suit up in a regular season game. This structured approach reduces the risk of prospects struggling when they finally arrive for camp. The timing matters. Both Zharovsky and Demidov are high-ceiling forwards, but neither is a lock for the NHL roster this fall. This summer program lets the Canadiens evaluate them head-to-head against NHL competition in a controlled setting. If chemistry develops, Montreal could fast-track one or both into the lineup sooner than expected — or trade from a position of strength if the depth chart becomes crowded. What's next: Both players are expected to report to Montreal's rookie camp and main training camp in September. Their summer work will be closely watched as the Canadiens look to turn their prospect pipeline into NHL production. ## Why this matters This summer training in Montreal marks a significant step in the Canadiens' rebuild. By having two top prospects train together under the team's supervision, the organization is actively investing in their development rather than leaving it to chance. Ivan Demidov and Alexander Zharovsky are among the highest-ceiling players in the system. Working side by side with team resources could accelerate their NHL readiness and foster chemistry that translates to game day success. For a franchise that has prioritized long-term building over short-term fixes, this is proof of a strategy in action. ## Frequently asked ### Who are Alexander Zharovsky and Ivan Demidov? Alexander Zharovsky is a forward drafted by the Canadiens in the first round of the 2024 NHL Draft. Ivan Demidov, also a forward, was selected fifth overall in 2024 and is considered one of the top prospects outside the NHL. ### Why is training together in Montreal important? It allows the Canadiens to oversee their development directly, provide tailored coaching, and build chemistry between two key future players. It signals a more hands-on approach to prospect development. ### How long will they train in Montreal? According to Zharovsky's agent, the training period will last 40 days this summer. The exact start and end dates have not been announced. ### When might they play for the Canadiens? Neither prospect is guaranteed a roster spot for the upcoming season. Both will attend rookie camp and main training camp in September, where they can earn a spot or return to their respective leagues. ## Sources & Citations - [L'agent d'Alexander Zharovsky confirme la nouvelle que tous les fans du Canadien attendaient](https://www.marqueur.com/news/index.php?no=590370) — GNews.io (2026-06-03) --- Cite: Canadiens' Zharovsky, Demidov to Train Together in Montreal. Sportopod, 2026-06-10. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/l-agent-d-alexander-zharovsky-confirme-la-nouvelle-que-tous-01479c4e