Friday Mailbag | Can Montreal bring Demidov over early? | Is Filip Mesar being traded for McGroarty?

Inside the latest Locked on Canadiens
Scott and Laura have a ton of listener mailbag questions to get to, but before that they dive into the biggest question around the Habs fanbase...Can the Montreal Canadiens bring Ivan Demidov over from Russia before his contract is over like the Flyers have done with Matvei Michkov?
Also, Slovak media sources are rumoring that Filip Mesar could be on the move in a trade for Rutger McGroarty. Scott and Laura examine the rumored trade, and why all of a sudden it feels like this is nothing more than one side trying to leverage a trade out of Montreal.
Then, it's in to the mountain of listener questions!
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[@paulgiardetti1579]

For the mailbag next week I am interested in your thought on this perspective….I guess you need to look at the demidov situation as you would any asset a team has , for the Russian team you have an asset on an expiring contract, do you let him walk for nothing, as you say Habs don’t have to force the issue, but from a business perspective for the Russian team why wouldn’t you at least consider it. From the Habs perspective you let them know that you are open to it, if they are and maybe you overpay as a good will jester and everybody is happy .Worth exploring… as always love the show.. will miss you Scott, best of luck in your future endeavours

[@jasdosanjh7211]

Not sure if this trade rumor is true but I don't like giving that 2025 1st unless there is top 10 protection. I also heard that Winnipeg prefers Owen Beck instead of Mesar but I don't think Hughes would move Beck. You gotta give to.get so we will have to lose something good to get McGroarty.

[@ScottStenlund]

It is true. Winnipeg rejected the trade.

[@ScottStenlund]

You're right. They don't want mesar. He was part of the trade package and yeah Winnipeg rejected the Habs trade proposal

[@stockey]

I think there's a good chance, he will come here.

[@paulcake7353]

Maybe he,ll be here this season 😅

[@pierre-yvesdubreuil9315]

I really think Demidov should come over as soon as possible to play in the AHL, if only for the narrower ice. He can physically handle it and is already good in tight spaces and his energy level is top notch. It's just a matter for him to learn tactics and strategies. there is no reason that he's not going to put on points. He would play with mesar, roy, beck, and other potent fowards. IMO, he would ''loose'' a year of development in the KHL with more limited ice-time and more individualistics players.

[@mikeking9696]

You say it’s a “ hefty” package but yet I’m hearing it’s not enough, as Chevy has refused it.

[@darryldisher4615]

So the habs giving up 3 first round picks for 1 first round pick

[@ScottStenlund]

To answer about demidov ; no they cant. His team already said they arent releasing him. He got injured last year so he didnt get a chance to play in the KHL. He got sent down. They said demidov is 100% playing in the KHL this upcoming season.

[@SamuelAtalla]

There’s a buy out clause in his contract. Are you saying his team can veto that? I wouldn’t think so.

[@paulgiardetti1579]

Mesar, a first ( the worst of the 2) and Harris, would seem fair to me. , Flames is “top pick protected “ not top 10, I think the scenario that Habs get a top ten out of this pick, is Florida is bad, and has a top ten pick, Florida keeps their pick, and then the flames pick is in play. If it is number 1 ,then the Habs get the 2026 pick no conditions. If 2- 32 then the Habs get it..

[@oldhab7890]

Leave Demidov where he is and give him another year to develop. Remember when Pacioretty demanded to stay another year in the AHL to develop? That worked out well as he was ready to meet the expectations put on him. Mesar for McGroarty is just a trade for the purpose of making a trade. Moving a defence prospect for McGroarty makes sense.

[@ScottStenlund]

Yeah and Winnipeg just rejected the trade. They don't want mesar.

[@ScottStenlund]

And btw.....demidovs team already said that he will be 100% playing in the KHL this upcoming season. He got injured last year so he didn't play for them. They sent him down to the league below the KHL for the season.

[@SamuelAtalla]

Pacioretty situation is way different. They were using him on the bottom 6. Less minutes and no PP. So he went on radio and said play me properly or send me down where he can log real minutes. In Demi’s case if he plaus here this year hypothetically and makes the team he’s slotted in the top 6 with PP. There’s a need there.

[@nealmac9017]

Rutger doesn't interest me due to his demands. Every disney sports movie taught me playing time is earned not given. Oass on the drama

[@randylavoy6196]

Habs should go BIG or go home...!! Top young talent only need apply ....!! Stop pursuing borderline players who are NOT proven ..!! Cups are won with elite skill , competitive attitudes , and size .!! Trust Hughes and be patient.!!

[@malmacian_crunch2641]

Why? Just why? One of my favourite things about drafting Demidov was that I wouldn’t have to worry about Montreal trying to turn him pro (for at least one more season). Why are we always so thirsty to toss 18 year old kids to the wolves?

[@user-ku8qw8bg8c]

molson is a billionaire let that sink in !!!! if there sure hes a pat lafontaine talent they will get him out !!!