Montreal Canadiens Lock Up Rookie Sensation Ivan Demidov with Eight-Year, $73 Million Extension

The Canadiens announced on July 1 that 20-year-old Russian winger Ivan Demidov has signed an eight-year extension, effective 2027-28 after his entry-level contract ends. Agent Dan Milstein confirmed the agreement in Montreal.

Canadiens sign Demidov to 8-year, $73M extension

Demidov was the Canadiens’ fifth-overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft. In 2025-26 he played all 82 games, tallying 19 goals, 43 assists and 62 points—leading all rookies in scoring and power-play production. He earned All-Rookie Team honors and finished second to Matthew Schaefer for the Calder Trophy. In the playoffs he added three goals and nine points as Montreal reached the Eastern Conference Final.

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The deal is reported as eight years for $73 million to $73.2 million, with an AAV of $9.125 million to $9.15 million. It includes $57.6 million in signing bonuses and a 10-team no-trade clause for the final three seasons (2032-33 to 2034-35). The contract makes Demidov the highest-paid forward on the roster, second only to defenseman Noah Dobson ($9.5 million AAV).

Salem Radio Network News

At a $9.15 million cap hit, Demidov will occupy roughly 8 % of the projected $113.5 million cap for 2027-28. The extension joins those of Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, Juraj Slafkovsky, Lane Hutson and Noah Dobson, all secured through 2029-30 or later, solidifying Montreal’s young core for the next decade.

Canadiens, Ivan Demidov agree to eight-year contract extension

GM Kent Hughes said the club “believes Demidov is a key piece of our Stanley Cup team.” The team release praised his rookie production and the contract’s role in maintaining continuity. Milstein’s social-media post confirmed the AAV and signing-bonus details. Executives Jeff Gorton and Hughes reiterated a focus on locking up “key young pieces.”

ESPN

Sources differ on the total value ($73 million vs $73.2 million), the AAV ($9.125 million vs $9.15 million) and the contract’s end year (2034-35 vs “through 2035”). No comment has been issued by the NHLPA regarding the eight-year length under the new CBA.

Canadiens sign Demidov to eight-year, $73.2 million contract extension

• “I like the city,” — Ivan Demidov, forward, Montreal Canadiens

Montreal Gazette

• “I like this team. I like all the boys and our management, organization is pretty good. So I’m good with that. I want to stay here.” — Ivan Demidov

Montreal Gazette

• “But just saying to each other that it’s important to stay here for a long time because the group that we have here is a (Stanley) Cup team.” — Ivan Demidov

Montreal Gazette

• “Nous sommes le premier juillet.” — Kent Hughes, general manager, Montreal Canadiens

Montreal Gazette

The extension begins in 2027-28, tying Demidov to the club through 2034-35. Montreal will look for a defensively sound second-line partner and will manage cap space during upcoming free-agency windows as the core remains under contract.

Instant Analysis: Impact Of Demidov Mega Contract Extension