Montreal Canadiens forward Ivan Demidov’s eight-year, $73.2 million extension with the Habs already looks significantly different from the contracts that followed it during a summer of rapidly escalating NHL salaries.
Since Kirill Kaprizov inked a $136 million deal with an average annual value of $17 million in Sept. 2025, Macklin Celebrini and Leo Carlsson reset the forward market with AAV deals of $18.8 and $18 million, respectively, and defenseman Cale Makar topped them all at $20.4 million AAV.
Demidov’s agent, Dan Milstein, revealed to the Montreal Gazette that the $9.15 million annual cap hit the player signed for was of his own choice. According to Milstein, Demidov wanted to sign a long-term extension quickly and deliberately accepted less money to preserve Montreal’s financial flexibility.
“If I had it my way, the deal probably would have looked a little different,” Milstein said. “Ivan basically said he wanted the eight-year deal. He wanted it done quickly and wanted to leave room (financially) for Montreal to get even better.”
The extension, signed July 1 and beginning in 2027-28, quickly appeared team-friendly. Two days later, Anaheim matched Philadelphia’s five-year, $90 million offer sheet for Carlsson. Subsequent deals included Connor Bedard at $15 million annually and Makar at $20.4 million annually.
Milstein said Demidov knew bigger contracts were coming but prioritized Montreal’s ability to strengthen its roster.
“His exact words were, ‘We’re in a great situation. I feel like we’re going to be winning for many years.’ He wanted to leave money on the table so they can sign other players.”
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Demidov produced 62 points across 82 games last season, leading all NHL rookies in scoring. He added nine points during Montreal’s run to the Eastern Conference final.
“He wanted this deal. He knew there were other, bigger deals coming in the future. He knows he’s going to improve and wanted to be like everyone else on the team.”
Demidov can pursue another contract at age 28 or 29 after his extension expires. Milstein said his client remains “extremely happy” with his decision and has “no regrets.”
The Canadiens will start their preseason with split-squad games against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Sept. 19.
