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If Kirill Kaprizov is worth $17M, how much is Ivan Demidov worth?

Originally posted on Dose.ca | Last updated Sep 30, 2025 3:41 PM ET

Kirill Kaprizov has signed the biggest contract in NHL history: the Wild star will earn $17 million per season on his next deal, which begins next summer.And when you look at the structure of his deal, you realize that he’ll earn most of his money in signing bonuses:

Kaprizov structure is truly one of a kind, per sources. He’s getting 20% of $95.5M cap in salary/signing bonuses ($19.1M) his 1st 4 years He has $1 million salaries in each of the 8 years. July 1 signing bonuses: 2026: $18.1M; 2027: $18.1M; 2028: $18.1M; 2029: $18.1M; 2030:… –

Michael Russo (@RussoHockey) September 30, 2025

It proves that things are changing in the National League. We’ve never seen an annual salary like this for a hockey player, and with the cap going up in the next few years, guys will be able to go for more money. But it also indicates that right now, the Canadiens are in a good place in a sense… because they’ve got guys like Suzuki, Caufield and Slafkovsky who will be making less than $8M for several more years. That’s interesting too…

On the other hand, looking at Kaprizov’s contract… it’s perhaps a little normal to worry about Ivan Demidov’s value. We agree: Demidov doesn’t yet have the luxury of asking for as much money as Kaprizov because he doesn’t have enough experience. On the other hand, if Demidov follows in his compatriot’s footsteps – which many expect him to do – and quickly becomes one of the NHL’s top players (which could also happen).ah, and there’s also Lane Hutson, who’s going to break the bank soon…

Hutson is going to get a ton of money, no avoiding it, but the Habs must be happy they signed Caufield and Suzuki to long-term deals under $7.9M before the cap was set to increase significantly.

– Marc Dumont (@MarcPDumont) September 30, 20

25It’s going to be expensive because the Canadiens will have a number of talented players. Suzuki, Caufield, Demidov, Slafkovsky, Hutson, Dobson… these guys – alone – will take up a large part of the Canadiens’ payroll over the next few years. Especially when Demidov signs his deal, even if it won’t be tomorrow morning. And if the Russian becomes the player we think he can be, Kent Hughes might start having nightmares . Although, I have a feeling the Canadiens’ GM already knows what to expect…

’Overtime’

– Of note.

The Capitals are “hopeful” Alex Ovechkin will return from lower-body injury against Boston Bruins on Thursday, plus other updates from practicehttps://t.co/ITkI3edOeg–

RMNB (@rmnb) September 30, 2025

– Wow.

Bonus included, Kirill Kaprizov will earn $19.1M annually for the first 4 years of his contract! pic.twitter.com/OfirINlBLV

– RDS (@RDSca) September 30, 2025

– Arber Xhekaj and his passion for cars.

We recently sat down with Arber Xhekaj and had the chance to ask him about his love of cars and who on the Habs he would trust to drive his cars. pic.twitter.com/BVCTwehssm

– TSN 690 Montreal (@TSN690) September 30, 2025

– Sick.

When Bad Bunny surprises @delorme_gilbert with a new hit! @Anthodezo @anthonymarcotte @paiemento #badbunny #bonnefemme pic.twitter.com/17uCChFzhj

– BPM Sports (@BPMSportsRadio) September 30, 2025

– Comical, the Jake!

Jake Evans on playing alongside Josh Anderson & Florian Xhekaj tonight:

“They need someone tough to be out there with them, right? So I’ll be guarding them.” pic.twitter.com/6p0GJ6eUmO– /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) September 30, 2025

– Happy reading.