Canadiens sign Demidov to eight-year, $73 million contract extension

Ivan Demidov for the Montreal Canadiens.

BROSSARD — Forward Ivan Demidov has signed an eight-season, US$73 million contract extension with the Montreal Canadiens.

Demidov’s agent, Dan Milstein, announced the news on Wednesday.

Demidov, aged 20, scored 19 goals and provided 43 assists in 82 games last winter, during his first full season in the NHL. He added three goals and six assists in 19 games during the play-offs.

The talented Russian forward finished second in the voting for the Calder Trophy, awarded to the NHL’s best rookie.

Demidov’s base salary will account for just over $940,000 of the Canadiens’ wage bill next season. However, he could earn up to around $3 million in performance bonuses.

Demidov will then become the team’s highest-paid forward, with an average annual salary of $9.125 million.

Captain Nick Suzuki’s salary accounts for $7.875 million of the Habs’ wage bill.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on July 1, 2026.