IT’S OFFICIAL! Ivan Demidov Signs with Canadiens; Full Analysis

It’s official, the Montreal Canadiens have signed top prospect Ivan Demidov. His entry-level contract kicks in immediately, which means he will burn the first year of the deal, a common situation for elite prospects.

The Canadiens have agreed to terms on a three-year, entry-level contract (2024-25 to 2026-27) with forward Ivan Demidov.

News release ↓ #GoHabsGohttps://t.co/2dy5C9n7Vk

— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) April 8, 2025

Beyond the fact that Demidov will add an elite offensive presence to the mix, which would fit nicely on the second line, there’s a lot to like when it comes to the Canadiens’ immediate future.

MUST READ: Canadiens Lineup Decision: Welcome to Montreal, Ivan Demidov

Consider the additions made to the lineup this season. Not only did the Habs graduate Lane Hutson, the top defenceman prospect in the hockey landscape, they also signed Jacob Fowler, one of the best goaltending prospects available.

By signing Demidov, the Habs have now graduated their top prospect at every position within a calendar year. Remember, this is a team that did not draft and develop much talent for over 10 years, with the lone exception being fourth-liner Jake Evans.

The Canadiens also in great shape to make the playoffs, just three years into their rebuild.

Oh, and they’re among the youngest teams in the league.

Once 19-year-old Demidov is in place, they may very well be the youngest club in the league, and the youngest club to every qualify for the playoffs.

They are the second youngest team (25.88) only behind Buffalo. That will change when they add Demidov. They would also be the youngest team in NHL history to make the playoffs. pic.twitter.com/3K1IqFCdeF

— MC (@hanelutson) April 8, 2025

Montreal Canadiens Brass Tacks

There’s still a lot of work left to do.

The Canadiens will want to solve the No.2 centre issue, providing Demidov with a high-end centre to ensure he’s in a situation conducive to thriving. They also need to improve their defensive depth, as the pairings tend to struggle unless Hutson is involved.

Hell, they may not even qualify for the playoffs next season, especially if some of their Eastern Conference counterparts stop underperforming.

However, there’s no denying that Jeff Gorton and Kent Hughes have done a masterful job planning and executing the rebuild, and they did so while keeping a clear and open line of communication with fans, reassuring them every step along the way.

Full marks must be given to team captain Nick Suzuki as well.

He put all the pressure on his shoulders when Hughes challenged him to bring this team to the next level. Not only did he respond, he also clearly led by example, becoming one of the most productive centres in the league. Keep in mind, the Canadiens stumbled out of the gates this season, leading to a significant amount of stress among fans, as it appeared the team had taken a step backwards.

Of course, responding to adversity has become the theme of the season, and it should serve them well if they make the playoffs, but it also speaks to the fact that Canadiens have had to work harder than most to overcome early deficits.

In other words, I’m not convinced the rebuild is over, not yet, but you’d be hard-pressed to suggest many other NHL clubs have a brighter future than the Montreal Canadiens.