The Montreal Canadiens have emphasized their commitment to forward Ivan Demidov, viewing him as a vital element for the team’s future. The rookie made a significant impact during the regular season, leading all first-year players with 43 assists and 62 points over 82 games.
Canadiens Management Plans Contract Talks
Demidov, who was a fifth-overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, has a three-year entry-level contract that will expire after the 2026-27 season. General Manager Kent Hughes indicated plans to initiate contract discussions with Demidov’s agent, Dan Milstein, stating the team’s preference for a long-term deal.
Performance Highlights
- Demidov finished second in Calder Trophy voting, narrowly missing the top spot to Matthew Schaefer of the New York Islanders.
- In the playoffs, Demidov tallied three goals and nine points in 19 games.
- His postseason performance included a goal in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Final against the Carolina Hurricanes.
- Demidov’s rookie season at SKA St. Petersburg in the KHL was equally impressive, where he recorded 49 points in 65 games.
- He set a KHL record for the most points by a player under 20, surpassing Kirill Kaprizov.
Playoff Performance
While Demidov had a slow start in the early playoff rounds, he found his rhythm against the Buffalo Sabres. He scored his first NHL playoff goal in Game 5 and added another in Game 6, contributing significantly to the team’s success in that round.
The Canadiens were ultimately eliminated in the Eastern Conference Final, concluding their season after a five-game series with the Carolina Hurricanes. Despite the team’s exit, Demidov’s overall contributions during both the regular season and playoffs highlight his potential as a cornerstone player for the Canadiens.
