April 8, 2025
Ivan Demidov signs an entry level deal with the Montreal Canadiens
The Montreal Canadiens have signed their top-ranked prospect, Ivan Demidov to a three-year entry level contract and just in time, with the Habs making a serious push for a play-off spot.
The buzz around Montreal today, is immense, as rumors about SKA Saint Petersburg potentially letting soon to be star Ivan Demidov leave now that his KHL squad has been eliminated from play-off contention, and coming over to the Habs to finish the season, are now confirmed to have been true.
See Also: Jacob Fowler signs an entry-level deal with the Canadiens
Demidov, 19, was the fifth overall pick of the Canadiens at the 2024 entry draft – and has been making waves in the KHL despite some rough treatment from SKA Saint Petersburg coach Roman Rotenberg, that has drawn the scrutiny of several hockey pundits. It was wildly believed that Demidov wouldn’t be permitted to leave SKA Saint Petersburg until his contract expired on May 31st.
So, when the news broke that Demidov had, in fact, inked a three-year entry level deal with the Canadiens just prior to facing the Detroit Red Wings, one of five teams still vying for the spot the Canadiens currently hold, came a buzz of energy across the city that hasn’t been felt in quite some time.
In recent days, two other highly touted prospects have also signed entry level deals with the Habs – goalie Jacob Fowler, and earlier today, Tyler Thorpe, too, signed an entry level deal. Both Fowler and Thorpe will report the AHL’s Laval Rocket, who are also play-off bound.
The Montreal Canadiens also welcomed Oliver Kapanen back to their ranks, following a very successful season in the SHL.
Earlier this year, Demidov broke Minnesota Wild superstar Kirill Kaprizov’s record for the most productive season a player under 20 has ever played in the KHL.
If work permits from the Canadian government had be issued fast enough, Demidov could be playing as early as Friday in Ottawa in a game that is of vital importance for both teams. Ottawa sits just ahead of Montreal, with both teams currently holding onto wild card spots – but this is a mathematical chance that Montreal could still pass the Senators in the standings.
Read More:
>> Jake Evans signs a new deal with the Canadiens
>> Lane Hutson continues to impress, leads all rookies in points
>> Canadiens draft Demidov, Hage in first round of 2024 NHL Draft
“My goal for the rest of the season is to adapt to this new style of hockey as quickly as possible and show what I’m capable of,” said Demidov.
Montreal hasn’t been this excited for a player to arrive in town, since Marian Hossa’s gloves were wrongfully reported to have been spotted. Habs fans have been hoping for a game-breaking Franchise forward for many years – and he might just have arrived.
