With the current collective bargaining agreement expiring on September 16, signing before that date allows Demidov to secure an eight-year deal with signing bonuses exceeding 60 percent of the contract\u2019s total value. If he waits, it drops to seven, and the bonuses are much smaller. <\/p>\n
![\"Ivan](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Ivan-Demidov-Canadiens-1200x800.jpg\")
Montreal Canadiens right wing Ivan Demidov (David Kirouac-Imagn Images)<\/p>\n
Canadiens GM Kent Hughes has already labeled Demidov a core piece, and the player has expressed a clear desire to stay in Montreal. With Nick Suzuki currently the team\u2019s highest-paid forward at $7.875 million annually, Demidov\u2019s next deal could fall in the $8\u201310 million range.<\/p>\n
Maple Leafs Dig Into Coaching Search, Roy Impressing<\/p>\n
The Toronto Maple Leafs\u2019 coaching search is heating up, and Patrick Roy is emerging as a serious contender. According to insider Elliotte Friedman<\/a>, Roy\u2019s interview \u201cwas really good,\u201d adding that the former NHL bench boss is viewed as a legitimate option for the role. Toronto was granted permission to speak with Roy while also considering candidates such as Peter Laviolette and Jeff Halpern (Halpern has reportedly already been ruled out).<\/p>\n Roy brings a mix of elite pedigree and strong personality. A Hall of Fame goaltender with four Stanley Cups, he also captured the Jack Adams Award in his first season coaching the Colorado Avalanche. His recent stint with the New York Islanders had mixed results but he wasn\u2019t fired because the team didn\u2019t like him. They wanted Pete DeBoer, and that meant moving on from Roy. <\/p>\n Rangers, Maple Leafs Monitoring Trocheck Situation<\/p>\n Trade speculation surrounding Vincent Trocheck<\/a> appears to be cooling, according to Darren Dreger. While rumors linked him to the Maple Leafs\u2014particularly with Toronto potentially seeking center depth\u2014the Rangers are in no rush to make a move. There\u2019s growing belief that New York may hold onto Trocheck and reassess closer to the trade deadline.<\/p>\n The Rangers waited until the summer<\/a> to try and get the best return, but they are not expected to pressure Trocheck into waiving his no-trade protection, even if his list shrinks. <\/p>\n Canadiens Give Gallagher Permission to Seek Trade<\/p>\n According to Rick Dhaliwal<\/a>, \u201cBrendan Gallagher\u2019s agent Gerry Johansson has permission from Montreal to help facilitate a trade.\u201d Gallagher spoke with the media this week and noted that he\u2019s aware he will be moving on from the Canadiens. <\/p>\n With one year left on his deal, the Habs are hoping a team will take on Gallagher\u2019s full contract without the need to retain salary. <\/p>\n Islanders Facing Uncertain Future With Captain Anders Lee<\/p>\n There is an increasing belief that Islanders captain Anders Lee could hit unrestricted free agency on July 1. NHL insider Pierre LeBrun<\/a> reports that contract talks between Lee and the team have stalled, with both sides currently far apart on a new deal. While the Islanders would like to retain their longtime leader, the expectation is that Lee will at least test the open market.<\/p>\n At 35 (turning 36 in July), Lee remains a consistent contributor, producing around 20 goals and 45\u201355 points per season. However, his age makes long-term commitments risky, and negotiations may hinge more on term than annual salary. Lee has spent his entire 14-year NHL career with the Islanders and has expressed interest in staying, but if he does reach free agency, he\u2019s likely to draw interest as a reliable middle-six winger with leadership experience.<\/p>\n Free Newsletter<\/p>\n \n Get NHL Rumors coverage delivered to your inbox <\/p>\n In-depth analysis, breaking news, and insider takes – free.<\/p>\n