Story perspectives

Canadiens Sign Ivan Demidov to $73M Deal, Highest-Paid Forward

7/2/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Montreal Canadiens signed forward Ivan Demidov to an eight-year, $73.2 million contract beginning 2027-28 featuring a $9.15 million AAV, highest-paid forward.
The deal, announced on July 1, 2026, includes $57.6 million in signing bonuses and a 10-team no-trade clause for the final three years.
Demidov posted 19 goals, 43 assists and 62 points in 2025-26, then added three goals and nine points in 19 playoff games, helping Montreal reach the Eastern Conference Final.

History

Historical Context

After the 2004-05 lockout forced the NHL to adopt a hard salary cap of $39 million per team in the 2005-06 season, the ceiling has risen to $81.5 million (2020-21) and $95.5 million for 2025-26. In July 2026 the Montreal Canadiens signed forward Ivan Demidov to an eight-year, $73.2 million contract, a deal that tests the league’s evolving cap structure.

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Story summary

The Montreal Canadiens signed forward Ivan Demidov to an eight-year, $73.2 million contract beginning 2027-28 featuring a $9.15 million AAV, highest-paid forward.
The deal, announced on July 1, 2026, includes $57.6 million in signing bonuses and a 10-team no-trade clause for the final three years.
Demidov posted 19 goals, 43 assists and 62 points in 2025-26, then added three goals and nine points in 19 playoff games, helping Montreal reach the Eastern Conference Final.

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