NHL team makes false allegations towards Demidov hoping he'd drop in the draft

In a revealing segment on the "32 Thoughts" podcast, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman shared some intriguing tactics being deployed in the NHL draft landscape.

According to Friedman, there's a mysterious campaign to tarnish the reputation of Ivan Demidov, a highly touted prospect, with the aim of lowering his draft position.

During a discussion between Jeff Marek and Friedman, it came to light that rumors about Demidov's height and other personal attributes were being circulated by at least one NHL team.

This strategic misinformation is apparently intended to manipulate Demidov's draft stock, allowing the scheming team a better shot at securing his talents.

This revelation raises ethical questions about the lengths teams might go to in order to influence draft outcomes.

At just 18 years old, right winger Ivan Demidov has been making waves, consistently ranking as the second or third top prospect.

His skills as a line driver and a puck distributor have not gone unnoticed, drawing particular interest from teams like the Chicago Blackhawks.

The Blackhawks, holding the #2 draft pick, are in a precarious position. They are enticed by Demidov's potential but also by Artyom Levshunov, a defenseman whose capabilities could greatly enhance their power play.

The decision at the #2 spot is a critical one, with the team's future hanging in the balance.

This year's draft is notably dense with defensive talent, featuring several top-tier defensemen in the first ten picks.

Such depth in a single draft is rare and has led to increased strategizing among teams, including efforts to dissuade rivals from picking certain players.

With the draft approaching, Blackhawks' General Manager Kyle Davidson faces a series of pivotal decisions. The choice between Demidov and Levshunov is just the tip of the iceberg.

Beyond the second pick, Davidson's strategy will need to be shrewd, especially considering the potential for trading up to secure the desired talent.

As the draft drama unfolds, all eyes will be on Davidson and the Blackhawks. Whatever decision is made, it's clear that Chicago is positioned to add a significant player to their roster, one who could potentially alter the team's fortunes for years to come.

The ethical quandaries and strategic complexities of this year's NHL draft are setting the stage for one of the most intriguing offseasons in recent history.

How these tactics will affect the careers of young prospects like Demidov remains to be seen, but the implications could be far-reaching.