A Deal That Could Shape the Future
Montreal Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes is zeroing in on Russian forward Ivan Demidov, the 62‑point rookie who finished second in Calder Trophy voting after a breakout season in the AHL.
Demidov has made it clear that he wants to remain with the Canadiens for the long haul, envisioning himself as part of a team that can eventually win the Stanley Cup.
To that end, the organization is preparing an eight‑year offer that would lock the Russian forward in before the new collective bargaining agreement takes effect in September 2026, a deadline that would otherwise cap contracts at seven years.
During the summer, Demidov will train in Montreal alongside his childhood friend and 2025 KHL Rookie of the Year, Alexander Zharovsky, who will be introduced to the city’s facilities and the team’s inner circle by his new teammate.
Beyond the ice, Demidov highlighted that mastering English was his biggest off‑ice achievement this season, crediting his roommate Lane Hutson for the most valuable lessons while jokingly naming goaltender Jakub Dobes his worst teacher.
The camaraderie between Demidov and Hutson underscores a broader narrative: a young Russian core that could anchor the Canadiens’ next generation and keep key talent at home despite NHL expansion elsewhere.
If the eight‑year agreement materializes, it would not only secure a pivotal player but also signal the Canadiens’ intent to build around a blend of Russian skill and North American work ethic, a strategy that could reshape the franchise’s trajectory in the coming decade.