The Montreal Canadiens secured their future on Wednesday by signing top prospect Ivan Demidov to an eight-year, $73 million contract extension. The deal, announced on July 1, 2026, locks up the 20-year-old Russian forward through the 2033-34 season, with an average annual value of $9.125 million.
Demidov's path to the NHL
Demidov was selected by the Canadiens with the fifth overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft. He spent the past two seasons developing in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) with SKA Saint Petersburg, where he recorded 45 points in 68 games. His combination of elite skating, playmaking ability, and hockey IQ made him one of the most highly anticipated prospects to join the Canadiens' organization.
According to Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes, the extension reflects the team's confidence in Demidov's ability to become a cornerstone player. "Ivan has shown tremendous growth and maturity both on and off the ice. We believe he has the talent and work ethic to be a key contributor for years to come," Hughes said in a statement.
Contract details and impact
The $73 million contract is one of the largest in Canadiens history for a player who has yet to play an NHL game. It includes a full no-movement clause in the final four years and performance bonuses that could increase its total value. The deal demonstrates Montreal's commitment to building around young talent, as the team continues to rebuild after missing the playoffs for four consecutive seasons.
Demidov is expected to make his NHL debut in the 2026-27 season, joining a young core that includes forwards Juraj Slafkovsky and Cole Caufield, as well as defenseman Kaiden Guhle. The Canadiens hope Demidov's arrival will accelerate their return to contention in the Atlantic Division.
Reaction from fans and analysts
The extension has generated mixed reactions among hockey analysts. Some praise the Canadiens for securing a potential superstar, while others question the risk of committing such a large sum to an unproven player. "It's a bold move, but Demidov has the tools to justify it," said TSN analyst Pierre LeBrun. "If he lives up to his potential, this contract could be a bargain in a few years."
Canadiens fans have expressed excitement on social media, with many viewing Demidov as the franchise's next elite forward. The team's attendance and merchandise sales have dipped during the rebuild, and the extension signals a new era of optimism in Montreal.
