Is Ivan Demidov the next elite playmaking winger in the NHL?
Both players use "false information" to freeze defenders. Kucherov is famous for his "no-shot" goal and subtle footwork on the power play to open passing lanes. Demidov uses elite eye fakes and head work to manipulate defenders into thinking they have an easy steal, only to blow past them. Skating & PhysicalityDemidov: He is significantly heavier and stronger than Kucherov was at the same age. He uses a wide base to shield the puck and can play a grittier game along the boards.Kucherov: His game is built on efficiency. He rarely wastes energy, using his feet to position his toes exactly where they need to be to facilitate lightning-fast hand movements. Hockey IQTheir agent, Dan Milstein, has stated that if you put Kucherov, Demidov, and Pavel Datsyuk in a room, it would be impossible to tell who has the higher hockey IQ. They both "quarterback" their teams from the right flank, viewing the ice as a board game where they are always three moves ahead.