Canadiens Extend Ivan Demidov's Contract

The Montreal Canadiens have secured their future by signing Ivan Demidov to an eight-year contract extension. This agreement was made official on July 1, the first day he was eligible, with an average annual value of $9.15 million, making him the highest-paid forward on the team.

Demidov, who was the runner-up for the Calder Trophy as the league's top rookie, played all 82 games in his first full NHL season, scoring 19 goals and adding 43 assists, ranking fifth on the team. His performance in the playoffs, including nine points in 19 games and a standout showing against the Carolina Hurricanes, likely influenced the Canadiens' decision to commit to this long-term deal.

The contract will begin next season and extend until the end of the 2033-34 campaign, representing 8% of the projected $113.5 million salary cap for the 2027-28 season, according to reports from Eyes On The Prize.