​On July 1, the opening day of the NHL free agent period, Ivan Demidov agreed to his first extension with the Montreal Canadiens, signing an eight-year, $73 million contract. The deal followed a standout rookie season in which the Russian forward led all rookies with 62 points in 82 games and found the back of the net 19 times. Demidov quickly became a key driver of Montreal’s offense, finishing the year with 127 shots on goal. Known for his swift skating, elite playmaking, and a knack for fooling goalies with the puck, Demidov established himself as a core contributor.
This season, Demidov also earned a spot on the Canadiens’ first power-play unit. After his second appearance on that unit, captain Nick Suzuki lauded his game, saying, “he’s always finding plays, finding seams, he’s got a good shot, and he’s probably run every single power play he’s ever been on.” Demonstrating his versatility and efficiency, Demidov led all rookies with 20 power-play points. His impressive rookie campaign culminated in a strong finish, as he placed second in Calder Memorial Trophy voting for Rookie of the Year and helped the team reach the Eastern Conference Final.
Demidov’s impact extended beyond individual accolades; his contributions underscored Montreal’s pursuit of a Stanley Cup, reinforcing his value to the organization. While some might have imagined a more lucrative contract given his performance, Demidov prioritized hockey above all else. He stated to the media, “for me, the main thing is hockey. It’s the No. 1 in my life. Money is never going to be over hockey in my life.” This mindset aligns with the Canadiens’ longer-term goals, as the team has positioned itself for sustained success with Demidov under contract.
The Canadiens, with Demidov’s deal, created meaningful cap space and flexibility. The agreement carries an average annual value (AAV) of under $10 million, a figure that is particularly noteworthy given that no Montreal player currently earns more than ten million in AAV. With over $14 million in cap space available, the organization has the financial cushion to build and maintain a contending squad without sacrificing future flexibility.
Perhaps most telling is how Demidov’s signing reflects the team’s culture. The Canadiens emphasize a collective, team-first ethos, and Demidov’s extension aligns with that philosophy. The franchise has locked up its core through 2030 and beyond, with Demidov himself signed through 2035, creating a stable foundation for a prolonged window of contention. Even amid a free-agent market where offers in the $18 million AAV range could tempt teams to overextend, Montreal’s approach remains measured and strategic, avoiding cap-straining deals that could hinder championship ambitions.
As Demidov himself put it, the Canadiens “have a good core, and everyone is similar age, and everyone wants to win the Cup.” His team-friendly contract bolsters Montreal’s ability to sustain competitiveness while they pursue a championship. With Demidov on the books, the Canadiens have positioned themselves to capitalize on a promising window of opportunity, leveraging young talent, room to grow, and a disciplined, team-oriented culture that prioritizes winning over individual salary. This strategic signing is a cornerstone of Montreal’s plan to emerge as a perennial Stanley Cup contender in the years ahead.