Blackhawks owner and management fly across the country to meet a young prospect

That is for the one and only, projected second-overall pick, Ivan Demidov.

The 18-year old forward is from Russia, and with the ban on Russians participating in IIHF tournaments, it's been hard for the Blackhawks to be able to see him up close.

Demidov is the most projected player to go No. 2 overall in the 2024 NHL draft, right behind Macklin Celebrini, who is guaranteed to go No. 1 overall, much like Connor Bedard in last years NHL draft.

The Blackhawks and their management are making a large effort to get to know Demidov better, scheduling a personal dinner between general manager Kyle Davidson, and team CEO/chairman Danny Wirtz, all to meet Ivan Demidov in a one-on-one conversation.

Demidov was previously listed as 5-foot-11, but has quickly grown at 6-foot-1 and is showing no signs of slowing down his growth at just 18 years of age.

Demidov is requiring a translator at the dinner with the Blackhawks, but can speak "well enough" English on his own, according to reports.

This meeting is a big step for the Blackhawks as they think about adding him to their team.

Source: TheHockeyNews
Dinner With Demidov? Blackhawks Are In Florida To Meet With Russian Prospect