Demidov (wrist) took line rushes on the third line, indicating he'll be available to play Wednesday's season opener versus the Maple Leafs, Arpon Basu of The Athletic reports.
Demidov missed some time late in the preseason after taking a slash across the wrist. He appears to be no worse for wear and will look to begin 2025-26 on a positive note as a potential Calder Trophy contender. Demidov is also expected to be part of the power-play mix, though he may start the season on the second unit.
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Canadiens' Ivan Demidov: Not playing Saturday
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Demidov (wrist) won't play in Saturday's preseason finale against Ottawa, per Patrick Friolet of RDS.
Demidov participated in Saturday's morning skate, and he is trending in the right direction to be available for Wednesday's regular-season opener against Toronto. Alex Newhook and Oliver Kapanen won't play in Saturday's exhibition game, either, and they are projected to be Demidov's linemates going into the 2025-26 campaign.
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Canadiens' Ivan Demidov: Two points in NHL debut
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Demidov produced a goal and an assist in Monday's 4-3 shootout loss to Chicago.
Making his NHL debut, the fifth overall pick in the 2024 Draft wasted no time making an impact for the Canadiens, setting up Alex Newhook for the game's opening tally six minutes into the first period before scoring his first career goal later in the opening frame. The 19-year-old had an impressive 19 goals and 49 points in 65 regular-season games for SKA St. Petersburg in the KHL this campaign before coming to North America, and Demidov figures to have a significant role in the playoffs for Montreal -- assuming the Habs don't let a wild-card spot slip through their fingers in the final days of the regular season.
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Canadiens' Ivan Demidov: Debuting Monday
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Demidov (not injury related) will be in the lineup against the Blackhawks on Monday, Eric Engels of Sportsnet reports
Demidov, who was selected with the fifth overall pick in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft, will make his highly anticipated debut for the Canadiens. Prior to joining Montreal, the 19-year-old winger put together a fantastic campaign with SKA St. Petersburg, racking up 19 goals and 30 assists in 65 regular-season games. If he can bring that scoring touch to the NHL, Demidov could bolster the Habs' postseason chances.
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Canadiens' Ivan Demidov: Inks entry-level deal
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Demidov signed a three-year, entry-level contract with Montreal on Tuesday.
Demidov notched 19 goals and 49 points in 65 regular-season games with SKA St. Petersburg of the KHL in 2024-25 before adding three goals and two assists in six playoff outings. He reached a joint decision with the KHL club to join the Canadiens and promptly signed his first NHL contract to play for Montreal down the home stretch. Once in the lineup, Demidov could land a top-six role and see power-play time. It's unclear when he will join the team, and the 19-year-old forward will need a work visa before he is eligible to play, Renaud Lavoie of TVA Sports reports.
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Canadiens' Ivan Demidov: KHL deal voided
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Demidov will not return to KHL club SKA St. Petersburg and is expected to join the Canadiens, the Russian team announced Tuesday.
Demidov racked up 19 goals and 30 assists in 65 games for SKA this season and had originally signed with the KHL team for another year. Instead, the 2024 fifth-overall pick is expected to sign an entry-level deal and join the Habs for the remainder of the 2024-25 campaign.
