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Ivan Demidov’s Extension Reflects Canadiens’ Winning Culture

May 16, 2026; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens right wing Ivan Demidov (93) reacts after scoring a goal against the Buffalo Sabres during the first period in game six of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

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Ivan Demidov’s Extension Reflects Canadiens’ Winning Culture

Originally posted on The Lead | By Madeleine Alvarez | Last updated Jul 8, 2026 1:40 PM ET

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On July 1, the first day of NHL free agency, Ivan Demidov signed his first extension with the Montreal Canadiens. The Russian youngster signed an eight-year, $73 million contract.

Demidov’s Impressive Rookie Season

This signing comes after a strong performance in Demidov’s rookie year. In 82 games, Demidov led rookies in points with 62 and 19 goals. Demidov quickly became an important part of the Canadiens’ offense, posting 127 shots on goal this season. He has quick feet, elite playmaking ability, and can be incredibly deceptive with the puck.

Additionally, this season Demidov was moved up to the Canadiens’ first power-play unit. After Demidov’s second game on the first unit, Montreal Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki said, “[Demidov’s] always finding plays, finding seams, he’s got a good shot, and he’s probably run every single power play he’s ever been on…” Demidov led rookies in power-play points with 20.

Demidov’s accomplished all of these things in his first year in the league, earning him second place in Calder Memorial Trophy voting for the Rookie of the Year award. Demidov contributed in important moments through a successful season and an Eastern Conference Final appearance. Demidov has proven that he is important to the Canadiens organization in their pursuit of winning the Stanley Cup.

While his season could have earned him a more lucrative contract than the one he signed, that is not what he wanted.

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A Team-Oriented Contract

The most important offseason task for the Canadiens was, by far, the signing of Demidov to a long-term contract. The Canadiens organization accomplished this for an average annual value (AAV) of less than $10 million, which is impressive. In fact, no Montreal player makes more than ten million dollars AAV.

Immediately after news of his signing was made public, Demidov told the media, “…for me, the main thing is hockey. It’s the No. 1 in my life. That’s what I think. Money is never going to be over hockey in my life.” Demidov’s decision gives the Canadiens room financially to build a contending team. The Canadiens currently have over $14 million in cap space.

The Canadiens have a group attitude that prioritizes winning over taking the highest payday. As a result, the Canadiens have locked up their core until 2030, with Demidov signed until 2035.

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Canadiens Window of Contention

The attitude of this Canadiens team has been overwhelmingly team-first. In the current free-agent market, there are offers in the $18 million AAV range. These deals can gut cap space and make it harder for teams to contend. In Montreal, this is not going to be a problem for the foreseeable future.

Ivan Demidov said it best: “[The Montreal Canadiens] have a good core, and everyone is similar age, and everyone wants to win the Cup…” With Demidov’s team-friendly signing, the Canadiens have put themselves in the best position possible to begin their window of contention.

As the 2026-2027 season approaches, keep the Montreal Canadiens and their young talent in mind as a contender in the East.

This article first appeared on The Lead and was syndicated with permission.

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