Demidov’s Immediate Future Revealed by Canadiens GM

He just might be the best hockey player in the world right now not playing in the NHL. Ivan Demidov just came off a six-game goal-scoring streak in the KHL that featured some stunning play. 

But Canadiens GM Kent Hughes, who is just back from a Russian scouting mission to watch and meet with Demidov, has confirmed that the uber-talented youngster will NOT be joining the Habs later this season. 

Ivan Demidov won’t be able to play for the @CanadiensMTL this season, Kent Hughes just mentioned in french.

— Renaud Lavoie (@renlavoietva) January 8, 2025

Insider Frank Seravalli reports that KHL contract end dates have reportedly been extended to May 31, so unless the Canadiens shock the world by going to the Stanley Cup Finals, there really isn't an avenue for Demidov to join the team this season.

Instead, Montreal will almost certainly start the clock in the 2025-26 season on the young Russian phenom’s three-year, entry-level deal. He was the Habs' first-round pick, 5th overall, in the 2024 NHL Draft.

Demidov, who got off to a slow start with SKA St. Petersburg due to a suppression of the rookie's ice time, has exploded in recent weeks. The 19-year-old was named KHL Rookie of the Month for December, and then continued his run into January with that six-game goal streak. 

It's a SIX-game goal streak for Ivan Demidov!

The 19-year-old now has 30 points in 40 games! pic.twitter.com/av7Q5KAqiu

— KHL (@khl_eng) January 5, 2025

In particular, the hockey world was abuzz about this ridiculous goal he scored last week: watch here.

The streak did come to an end today, as he was held off the scoresheet in SKA's 5-0 loss to Spartak. Demidov, however, did have 18:37 of ice time, and registered five shots on goal. He's now at 13 goals and 31 points in 40 games.