Montreal Canadiens Secure Ivan Demidov with Eight-Year Contract Extension
The Montreal Canadiens have secured Ivan Demidov, their 2024 first-round pick, for the next eight seasons. Demidov signed a contract extension before the final season of his entry-level deal, locking him in for a maximum of eight additional years with an average annual value of $9.125 million, making him the highest-paid forward on the team.
Demidov had an impressive rookie season in the NHL, finishing as the runner-up for the Calder Trophy behind Matthew Schaefer. He played all 82 games, scoring 19 goals and contributing 43 assists, ranking fifth on the team. In the playoffs, he tallied nine points in 19 games, including a four-game point streak in the series against the Buffalo Sabres.
During the Eastern Conference Final against the Carolina Hurricanes, Demidov's standout play earned him increased ice time, showcasing his importance to the team. This performance likely influenced the management's decision to offer him a long-term contract, recognizing him as a key player for the Canadiens' future success.
The new contract will come into effect next season and will last until the conclusion of the 2033-34 campaign. It is projected to account for 8% of the $113.5-million salary cap upper limit for the 2027-28 season, demonstrating the team's commitment to Demidov as a cornerstone of their roster moving forward.