{"id":414671,"date":"2026-01-18T18:48:20","date_gmt":"2026-01-18T18:48:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/414671\/"},"modified":"2026-01-18T18:48:20","modified_gmt":"2026-01-18T18:48:20","slug":"ivan-demidov-may-be-preparing-a-big-gift-for-kent-hughes-and-the-canadiens-with-his-next-contract","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/414671\/","title":{"rendered":"Ivan Demidov may be preparing a big gift for Kent Hughes and the Canadiens with his next contract"},"content":{"rendered":"


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\n\t\t\t\t\t \"Jan <\/p>\n

Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

Everything suggests that the young Montreal Canadiens forward, Ivan Demidov, could follow in the footsteps of his teammate and close friend, Lane Hutson.<\/p>\n

The Ivan Demidov file is already starting to generate buzz in Montreal when it comes to a potential contract extension.<\/p>\n

As of July 1, the Canadiens will officially be able to sign him to a contract extension.<\/p>\n

That’s the window that opens discussions when a player enters the final year of a long-term contract.<\/p>\n

Will the Habs jump on the opportunity, or wait like they did with Lane Hutson?<\/p>\n

What’s fueling the debate is a phrase that’s been circulating quite a bit lately.<\/p>\n

We’ve already seen that kind of approach with some of the team’s young players, especially when the salary cap becomes a headache.<\/p>\n

In Montreal, team culture matters more and more, and that counts.<\/p>\n

Ivan Demidov on the verge of giving the Canadiens a gift and signing a team-friendly contract?<\/p>\n

Demidov’s new contract:<\/p>\n

“I think he’ll take less to stay in Montreal for a long time!”<\/p>\n

– Eric Engels, via DLC<\/p>\n

His talent has never been in question, even before his arrival.<\/p>\n

In 2023-24 in the MHL, he recorded 60 points in 30 games with SKA St. Petersburg Jr.<\/p>\n

The following year in the KHL, he added 49 points in 65 games with SKA St. Petersburg.<\/p>\n

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).<\/p>\n

You also can’t forget the draft context.<\/p>\n

The Canadiens selected him in the first round, fifth overall, in 2024.<\/p>\n

If Demidov signs a team-friendly deal, Montreal wins on two fronts.<\/p>\n

The player secures his future, and Kent Hughes keeps some financial flexibility.<\/p>\n

And then everyone can focus on hockey, not the calculator.<\/p>\n

Previously on Montreal Hockey Fanatics<\/p>\n

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