Martin St-Louis sounds very off when confronted about Ivan Demidov's potential injury absence

Ivan Demidov's absence became a bigger story Thursday when Martin St-Louis gave reporters an unusually uncertain answer about his status.

Asked directly for an update on Demidov, St-Louis replied, “Demidov is day to day I think?” The final two words changed the tone of what could have been a routine injury update.

Canadiens communications executive Chantal Machabée quickly added that it was a “therapy day,” offering a clearer explanation for why Demidov wasn't participating.

A reporter then pushed further, noting that it was unusual to see consecutive therapy days. Machabée answered that it happens sometimes and said there was “nothing there.”

That exchange matters because Demidov isn't just another name missing from a September practice. Every detail surrounding his availability carries weight as Montreal works through camp decisions and lineup combinations.

St-Louis usually handles those questions with short, controlled answers. This one sounded different because even the coach appeared unsure when describing Demidov as day to day.

Martin St-Louis creates more questions than answers

There's no confirmed indication from that exchange that Demidov's situation is serious. The Canadiens' public message remained that he is day to day and undergoing therapy.

But the wording naturally leaves room for questions. “I think” isn't the definitive language reporters expect when asking a head coach about the availability of one of his most closely watched players.

-

The follow-up from Machabée also became part of the story. Her response appeared designed to shut down concern over the back-to-back therapy days rather than introduce a new medical update.

For Montreal, the next meaningful development will be whether Demidov returns to the ice and resumes his normal workload. That will tell far more than Thursday's brief media exchange.

Until then, St-Louis' hesitation is what stands out. He didn't announce a setback, a timeline change or an extended absence, but he also didn't sound fully certain about the situation.

That puts extra attention on Demidov's next practice appearance. One normal session can quickly quiet the discussion, while another absence would bring the questions right back to St-Louis.

For now, Montreal is calling it day to day. The strange part was hearing the head coach sound as though he was learning the answer in real time.

Also read on Markerzone.com:
Maple Leafs to place 30-year-old forward on waivers: John Chayka cuts a full-time roster player