Ivan Demidov's Recent Stick Changes Raise Questions

Ivan Demidov is once again giving the hockey equipment world something to talk about.

The Montreal Canadiens young star, who agreed to a partnership with Warrior Hockey this past summer, has recently been spotted using sticks from a different brand. For a player only a few months into a high-profile endorsement deal, that alone is enough to raise eyebrows.

Add in the fact that he plays in Montreal, one of the most scrutinized hockey markets in the world, and the situation becomes even more intriguing.

This is not the first time Demidov has drifted away from Warrior sticks this season. Back in early December, Canadiens fans and gear enthusiasts noticed that he used a CCM Tacks XF Ghost for a game or two.

At the time, it felt like a minor footnote or a players’ experiment. Small tweaks happen. It could have been chalked up to feel or preference in the moment.

But now, the story has resurfaced in a much more noticeable way.

In one of Montreal’s first practices following the Olympic break, Demidov was seen using a Bauer stick. The stick was dressed as the Bauer Nexus Tracer model, though the exact internal build remains unclear.

Sure enough, that practice appearance was not a one-off experiment. Demidov proceeded to use the same Bauer stick in the Canadiens’ first game back from the break against the New York Islanders.

He followed that up by using it again this past Saturday against the Washington Capitals. Now, as Montreal prepares to face the San Jose Sharks on Tuesday night, all eyes in the equipment community will be watching to see if he makes it three games in a row with Bauer in hand.

For a player seemingly under contract with Warrior, this pattern is puzzling. At the same time though, it is most definitely not the first time something like this has happened.

While the full details of Demidov’s agreement with Warrior are not public, it is generally assumed that his partnership requires the use of the company’s sticks, gloves, and pants in official NHL competition.

Since signing last summer, Demidov has consistently worn Warrior gloves and pants. Interestingly, however, he has never been seen wearing a Warrior helmet in official games. Instead, he has remained in the Bauer Re-Akt 150 helmet, suggesting that he may have negotiated flexibility in that part of his deal.

Montreal is not an easy place to navigate as a young player. The spotlight is bright. Every shift is analyzed. Every move is dissected. When you combine that pressure with a major equipment deal, the margin for comfort becomes even smaller.

Sticks are deeply personal tools. The flex profile, kick point, blade stiffness, and balance can all influence confidence on the ice. If something feels even slightly off, a player may look elsewhere regardless of branding obligations.

Still, it is fair to wonder whether Demidov’s recent choices hint at something larger. Is he subtly signaling a preferred change in equipment partner? Would he even be able to pivot that quickly after signing with Warrior only months ago? Those answers remain unclear.

What makes the situation even more interesting is that other Warrior ambassadors appear to be thriving with the brand. Take Matthew Schaefer of the Islanders, for example. The fellow Warrior representative and potential rookie of the year candidate has looked more than comfortable using Warrior sticks all season long. From a performance standpoint, there is no widespread narrative suggesting Warrior sticks are holding anyone back.

That is why Demidov’s hesitance stands out.

To be clear, no one outside his inner circle knows which stick works best for Ivan Demidov. Performance and comfort are ultimately what matter most. But in a league where equipment deals are closely monitored and brand loyalty is highly visible, switching between CCM, Warrior, and now Bauer in such a short span is undeniably unusual.

For now, this has become one of the more entertaining subplots within the hockey gear community. Each Canadiens game brings not only anticipation for Demidov’s offensive creativity, but also curiosity about what stick will be in his hands. Will Bauer remain? Will he return to Warrior? Could yet another brand make an appearance?

As the season continues and the offseason approaches, this storyline has the potential to grow even more compelling. One thing is certain. The hockey world will be watching closely, not just for Demidov’s goals and highlights, but for the subtle equipment decisions that continue to spark conversation.

Photo Credit: Icon Sportswire