Montreal Canadiens Sign Top Prospect Ivan Demidov Amid Playoff Push

MONTREAL (AP) — The Montreal Canadiens have made a significant move as they push for a playoff spot, signing top prospect Ivan Demidov on Tuesday. This decision comes shortly after Demidov terminated his contract with SKA St. Petersburg of the Russian Kontinental Hockey League (KHL).

Demidov, a 19-year-old forward and the No. 5 overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, joins the Canadiens as they currently hold the second wild-card position in the Eastern Conference, aiming for their first playoff appearance since 2021.

His agent, Dan Milstein, confirmed to ESPN that Demidov is eligible to participate in the postseason for the Canadiens. Montreal has five games remaining in the regular season, providing Demidov an opportunity to showcase his skills on North American ice.

While the KHL team agreed to the decision, they retained his rights, indicating that he could return if he does not secure a spot in the NHL. The team stated, “He will return to Saint Petersburg if he doesn’t gain a foothold in the NHL.”

Demidov had an impressive season in the KHL, leading SKA with 19 goals and 30 assists for a total of 49 points across 65 games. He thrived in a league considered one of the best in the world, and prior to the Canadiens’ signing, he was a standout during the playoffs with five points in six games.

The Canadiens’ management had taken the unusual step of visiting Demidov in Russia in December, amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions, making it one of the few recent scouting missions by NHL executives in the country since the invasion of Ukraine.

Fans and analysts have eagerly anticipated his arrival, with Canadiens enthusiasts expressing excitement on social media. Quebec Premier François Legault contributed to the fanfare with a simple but enthusiastic post on X: “WOW!”

As the Canadiens prepare for a critical matchup against the Detroit Red Wings at the Bell Centre on Tuesday night, Demidov’s addition could provide the spark they need to solidify their playoff position.