Michkov vs Demidov

[Kshahdoo]

It's an interesting situation that we have two best Russian prospects since probably Kaprizov at the very least in the next two drafts. It's even more interesting that Michkov and Demidov are both right wingers and absolutely different stylistically players.

Demidov is bigger, better skater and probably even better stickhandler (still questionable, but he stickhandles really well), but Michkov still scores twice as many goals as Ivan. Yeah, his shot is better, but Demidov's one isn't that bad at all, it's actually very good. So why has Michkov outscored him so much?

Let's take a very simple (or not that simple) example, zone entrance. When Michkov enters the opponents zone, by his body languge it's obvious that he's already calculating his next moves and what way the game is gonna develop overall. When Demidov enters the zone, it's like "I'm gonna outstickhandle these guys, and then my linemates come and we'll do some cool things together".

Yeah, Demidov usually outstickhandles those guys alright, and then his linemates come and they do cool things together... or not. And with Michkov if his linemates understands him the right way, it usually ends up with his goals. That's how the difference in IQ levels works.

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[Lavar Ball]

Yea well put, Michkov IQ is just unmatched, Demidov's raw skills and physical profile are more impressive but Michkov just processes the game at such a high level.

And I think Demidov is probably the top dog in 2023 at the moment

 

[independent observer]

It's an interesting situation that we have two best Russian prospects since probably Kaprizov at the very least in the next two drafts. It's even more interesting that Michkov and Demidov are both right wingers and absolutely different stylistically players.

Demidov is bigger, better skater and probably even better stickhandler (still questionable, but he stickhandles really well), but Michkov still scores twice as many goals as Ivan. Yeah, his shot is better, but Demidov's one isn't that bad at all, it's actually very good. So why has Michkov outscored him so much?

Let's take a very simple (or not that simple) example, zone entrance. When Michkov enters the opponents zone, by his body languge it's obvious that he's already calculating his next moves and what way the game is gonna develop overall. When Demidov enters the zone, it's like "I'm gonna outstickhandle these guys, and then my linemates come and we'll do some cool things together".

Yeah, Demidov usually outstickhandles those guys alright, and then his linemates come and they do cool things together... or not. And with Michkov if his linemates understands him the right way, it usually ends up with his goals. That's how the difference in IQ levels works.

Michkov is on another level… that is as if we say Fantili is better than Bedard because he is bigger and a faster skater…

 

[kp61c]

Hah, should have made a poll. Demidov, all the way. Come to think of it, scratch poll. I doubt anyone here saw Demidov play.

 

[BKarchitect]

Demidov may rely too much on being able to simply out-talent guys right now but boy is it fun. He’s so smooth and confident and there’s a calmness to how easily he makes high-difficulty plays look.

Not saying he’s better than Michkov…I trust others to make that comp. But I have all day to watch Demidov highlights.

For those who are plugged in - is there a path for Demidov to be a center (eventually) or have we just been running with an early narrative that is simply factually incorrect and he’s yet another uber-talented natural winger?

 

[Kshahdoo]

Demidov may rely too much on being able to simply out-talent guys right now but boy is it fun. He’s so smooth and confident and there’s a calmness to how easily he makes high-difficulty plays look.

Not saying he’s better than Michkov…I trust others to make that comp. But I have all day to watch Demidov highlights.

For those who are plugged in - is there a path for Demidov to be a center (eventually) or have we just been running with an early narrative that is simply factually incorrect and he’s yet another uber-talented natural winger?

He plays center position sometimes but naturally he's a winger. At least right now.

 

[WarriorofTime]

Michkov is still the guy who scored a million goals at the Under-18s and was pacing to do something similar at the Under-20s before it got cancelled.

He has done nothing since then that should change the perception as he put up good production in the second best league in the world. It feels like his (re: Russia’s) absence has kinda made people sour on him while he’s been “away” in the sense of not playing in IIHF events but I think people are overthinking it a bit. More and more I’m seeing this idea that he is a bad skater which appears to have come out of nowhere.

 

[LetsGoFlyers12]

Love both, but Michkov seems to have that knack for creating and capitalizing on scoring chances that few have. There's a reason he's set the mark at every level in goals and points since he was 15.

Demidov is also elite and will do great things, but it's hard not to choose Michkov at this point. Thoughts?

 

[NotProkofievian]

Michkov scores twice as many goals because he's twice the goal scorer. Stats aren't everything of course, but such huge gaps usually only have one explanation.

 

[Acallabeth]

I've obviously watched Michkov more, but Demidov strikes me as a guy who's too skilled for his own good. Like Ilya Kovalchuk.

 

[Sasso09]

Yea well put, Michkov IQ is just unmatched, Demidov's raw skills and physical profile are more impressive but Michkov just processes the game at such a high level.

And I think Demidov is probably the top dog in 2023 at the moment

Demi is 3rd behind Eiserman and Celebrini.

And as far as "better skater" that's debatable, Demi is faster, sure, but Michkov is flawless with his edges and has great first step acceleration. I'll give edge to Demi.

Stick handling/puck control without a doubt goes to Michkov. Overall it's Michkov by a mile.

Hah, should have made a poll. Demidov, all the way. Come to think of it, scratch poll. I doubt anyone here saw Demidov play.

So... because you're wrong and no one agrees with you, "I doubt anyone but me has watched Demidov play".

 

[Kshahdoo]

Demidov is at least on par with Michkov as a stickhandler. The kid will be the best stickhandler in the NHL, mark my words. But stickhandling isn't everything in hockey, otherwise Kovalev would be the best player ever...

 

[Snotbubbles]

In another thread a poster wrote something to the effect of: The difference between Michkov and Demidov is, Michkov enters the zone, beats the defender, gets in on the goalie and scores. Demidov enters the zone, beats the defender, gets in on the goalie and the goalie makes the save.

 

[kp61c]

Demidov is at least on par with Michkov as a stickhandler. The kid will be the best stickhandler in the NHL, mark my words. But stickhandling isn't everything in hockey, otherwise Kovalev would be the best player ever...

Demidov is bigger, a better skater and playmaker.

 

[16thOverallSaveUs]

Demidov is so so skilled but Michkov’s offensive instincts are borderline generational

 

[Kshahdoo]

Demidov is bigger, a better skater and playmaker.

He isn't a better playmaker...

 

[kp61c]

He isn't a better playmaker...

he is. reminds me of Malkin stylistically. also Michkov is selfish to the point of lookng ridiculous sometimes.

 

[Kshahdoo]

he is. reminds me of Malkin stylistically. Michkov is selfish to the point of lookng ridiculous sometimes.

He isn't.

 

[kp61c]

He isn't.

ok

 

[LetsGoFlyers12]

Kind of reminds me of a smaller version of Ovi v Malkin. Demidov carries the puck more and dangles around more, but Ovi was always able to score more goals and be THE MAN on his team. Just my gut opinion, both are awesome

 

[Kshahdoo]

 

[Lavar Ball]

Cuppa bros

 

[Sasso09]

Demidov is at least on par with Michkov as a stickhandler. The kid will be the best stickhandler in the NHL, mark my words. But stickhandling isn't everything in hockey, otherwise Kovalev would be the best player ever...

No and no

he is. reminds me of Malkin stylistically. also Michkov is selfish to the point of lookng ridiculous sometimes.

He's not even remotely close the playmaker Michkov is. Have you even watched these guys play? At this point I think you're intentionally trolling

 

[Ford Prefect]

Anyone with some updated opinions?

 

[Kshahdoo]

Anyone with some updated opinions?

It's still the same.