Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images
Everything suggests that the young Montreal Canadiens forward, Ivan Demidov, could follow in the footsteps of his teammate and close friend, Lane Hutson.
The Ivan Demidov file is already starting to generate buzz in Montreal when it comes to a potential contract extension.
As of July 1, the Canadiens will officially be able to sign him to a contract extension.
That’s the window that opens discussions when a player enters the final year of a long-term contract.
Will the Habs jump on the opportunity, or wait like they did with Lane Hutson?
What’s fueling the debate is a phrase that’s been circulating quite a bit lately.
We’ve already seen that kind of approach with some of the team’s young players, especially when the salary cap becomes a headache.
In Montreal, team culture matters more and more, and that counts.
Ivan Demidov on the verge of giving the Canadiens a gift and signing a team-friendly contract?
Demidov’s new contract:
“I think he’ll take less to stay in Montreal for a long time!”
– Eric Engels, via DLC
His talent has never been in question, even before his arrival.
In 2023-24 in the MHL, he recorded 60 points in 30 games with SKA St. Petersburg Jr.
The following year in the KHL, he added 49 points in 65 games with SKA St. Petersburg.
That’s 19 goals and 30 assists, which explains why he could easily cash in big time (especially following his success over nearly the past year).
You also can’t forget the draft context.
The Canadiens selected him in the first round, fifth overall, in 2024.
If Demidov signs a team-friendly deal, Montreal wins on two fronts.
The player secures his future, and Kent Hughes keeps some financial flexibility.
And then everyone can focus on hockey, not the calculator.
Previously on Montreal Hockey Fanatics