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NHL Announces Punishment for Ivan Demidov Slashing Incident

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Oct 2, 2025 11:30 AM ET

The NHL Department of Player Safety announced Wednesday that Ottawa Senators forward Nick Cousins has been fined $2,148.44, the maximum allowable under the collective bargaining agreement, for slashing Montreal Canadiens rookie Ivan Demidov.

The action took place during Tuesday’s heated preseason contest in Quebec City. Ottawa winger Hayden Hodgson, meanwhile, was also fined $2,018.23 for a boarding infraction on Alex Newhook earlier in the night.

The Cousins-Demidov incident took place at 7:22 of the third period, when Cousins chopped down on Demidov’s wrist, forcing the 19-year-old off the ice in pain.

Cousins was assessed a minor penalty on the play and later drew a misconduct as tempers boiled over between the rivals in a fight-filled matchup.

Ottawa’s Nick Cousins has been fined $2,148.44, the maximum allowable under the CBA, for slashing Montreal’s Ivan Demidov.
— NHL Player Safety (@NHLPlayerSafety) October 1, 2025

Speaking to the media after the game, Canadiens head coach Martin St. Louis didn't mind words when addressing Cousin's action.

"There's no need for that," St. Louis said. "It's an exhibition game; both teams are trying to get ready for a long season."

The game quickly devolved into one of the most violent preseason clashes in recent memory. The Canadiens and Senators combined for 150 penalty minutes, with nine fighting majors and eight misconducts handed out.

Habs HC Martin St. Louis on Nick Cousins slash on Ivan Demidov: pic.twitter.com/DZ0kbvcbaL
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) October 1, 2025

The first period saw Florian Xhekaj and Jan Jenik trading punches at center ice, while Ottawa’s Zack MacEwen and Montreal’s Arber Xhekaj were involved in multiple altercations as the game advanced.

Blood was visible on Jenik’s face after a second-period scrap with defenseman Jayden Struble, and a third-period brawl ended with Donovan Sebrango attacking Montreal’s Kirby Dach from behind, earning a seven-minute power play for the Canadiens.

Demidov, who had two assists before exiting, left the game for treatment and did not return.

St. Louis provided an update on Wednesday, saying he's not worried about Demidov's status entering the regular season next week, removing long-term concern about his condition.

The Canadiens rolled to a 5-0 victory, with Oliver Kapanen, Patrik Laine, Alexandre Carrier, Lane Hutson and Dach all scoring. The two clubs will meet again on Saturday in Montreal for their final preseason game.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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