Ivan Demidov happily "shocks" NHL teams as he meets with them for first time

FORT LAUDERDALE, Florida – Scouts and representatives from more than a dozen NHL teams crowded into the Florida Panthers practice rink Tuesday morning to watch the Gold Star Hockey pre-draft camp. 

Chicago Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson was there, as was Anaheim Ducks GM Pat Verbeek, the two executives slated to pick after the San Jose Sharks take Macklin Celebrini at No. 1 later this month in Las Vegas. 

While Davidson and Verbeek watched the practice closely, which featured 14 2024 draft-eligible skaters and goalies, including Michigan State’s Artyom Levshunov, they were formally introduced to Ivan Demidov, who isn’t skating because of an ankle injury. 

Chicago, picking at No. 2, has a fascinating decision to make between Levshunov and Demidov. At the NHL Draft Combine in Buffalo,