NHL reacts after Canadiens hand Ivan Demidov $73M contract

The Montreal Canadiens have locked up one of the NHL‘s brightest young stars, signing Ivan Demidov to an eight-year contract extension worth $9.125 million annually. The deal, confirmed by agent Dan Millstein, carries a total value of $73 million and begins with the 2027-28 season because Demidov still has one year remaining on his current contract.

Earlier in the day, Millstein teased major news on X before the announcement became official. NHL insider Elliotte Friedman later posted, “Ivan Demidov 8 x $9.125M extension in Montreal.”

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The extension gives the Canadiens cost certainty for the next nine seasons with one of the league’s emerging offensive talents.

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Demidov justified Montreal’s faith during his rookie campaign. He recorded 62 points, including 19 goals and 43 assists, in all 82 games while quickly becoming a key playmaker in Martin St. Louis’ attack.

Fans immediately praised the agreement on social media.

One fan wrote, “Montreal going to be scary for years to come.”

Another fan added, “Nice deal for Demidov and Montreal! He would be the Second biggest Cap hit on Montreal. Noah Dobson: 9.5 Million.”

Many supporters believe the contract could become one of the league’s best values.

One fan posted, “That’s gonna be such a steal after 2-3 years.”

Another said, “Unreal steal. Demidov shoulda went 4-5 years. Not even close to his ceiling.”

Others highlighted his impact on Montreal’s offense.

One fan wrote, “Kid ran the offense at times well deserved.”

Another added, “Montreal is built different. Hutson and Demidov making less than 18m combined over the next 8 years is criminal.”

Canadiens continue building around young core

Montreal Canadiens right wing Ivan Demidov (93) reacts during the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Lenovo Center. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images

The optimism reflects Montreal’s rapid rise. The Canadiens finished 48-24-10 with 106 points last season, ranking seventh in goals scored at 3.40 per game. They also reached the Eastern Conference Final after consecutive seven-game series victories over the Tampa Bay Lightning and Buffalo Sabres.

From a roster-building standpoint, this extension makes sense. Elite forwards rarely become cheaper once they establish themselves, and Demidov already looks capable of outperforming his cap hit.

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With Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, Lane Hutson, and Demidov secured, Montreal has assembled a talented young core that should keep the team in the Stanley Cup conversation for years while maintaining valuable salary cap flexibility.

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