It’s been a busy Summer for Montreal Canadiens rookie Ivan Demidov. The youngster elected to stay in Montreal to work on his game and his language skills. He’s been spotted training on ice in Brossard twice a day, but last weekend, he went to New York with his significant other.
While his dedication is admirable, it’s good to see that he’s taking some time off and enjoying what North America has to offer. New York is a beautiful city to visit, boasting a rich history as a bonus. Judging by the pictures, he hit all the traditional tourist spots: Grand Central Station, Times Square, and, of course, the Statue of Liberty.
Meanwhile, Alex Newhook was attending J.T. Compher’s wedding. A Buffalo Sabres draft pick in 2013, Compher was traded to the Colorado Avalanche in the blockbuster that sent Ryan O’Reilly to the Sabres in 2015, and had a few seasons under his belt when the Canadiens’ winger joined the Avalanche.
The two players remained friends after Newhook was sent to the Canadiens in exchange for two draft picks and Gianni Fairbrother on the eve of the 2023 draft. Compher left the Avalanche days later when he signed a free-agent contract with the Detroit Red Wings worth $25.5 million for five years.
It was a busy weekend for two Habs players, Ivan Demidov and Alex Newhook #GoHabsGopic.twitter.com/pYF1EAmiO6
— Karine Hains (@KarineHains) July 22, 2025
Another former Canadiens was also present at Compher’s wedding; Jeff Petry and his wife, Julie. Petry played with the groom in Detroit, where he spent the last two seasons after an underwhelming season with the Pittsburgh Penguins. Unlike Compher, however, the blueliner’s association with the Wings is over since he signed with the reigning Stanley Cup Champions, the Florida Panthers, on July 1st.
The NHL is a small world after all, and there will be plenty more wedding pictures on social media before training camps open in September, starting with captain Nick Suzuki’s.
Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images
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