The Montreal Canadiens have confirmed that 20‑year‑old forward Ivan Demidov will be sidelined for an estimated two to four weeks after sustaining a lower‑body injury. The Russian winger, who impressed as a rookie last season with 62 points, missed Monday’s practice and will not be available for the team’s upcoming games, including Tuesday’s home opener against the Carolina Hurricanes.
The Injury Context
Demidov, selected fifth overall in the 2024 NHL Draft, has already recorded a goal and an assist in two games this campaign. The exact circumstances of the latest setback remain undisclosed, though the player previously missed practice after blocking a shot with his foot during a pre‑season encounter with the Ottawa Senators on 21 September in Trois‑Rivières, Quebec. The Canadiens have not revealed further medical details, but the injury is expected to keep him out of the lineup for the foreseeable future.
Adjusting the Lineup
Coach Martin St. Louis expressed confidence that the loss of such a skilled player would not derail the team’s momentum. “I don’t think it impacts the way we’re going to play, and if anything it gives opportunity to somebody else to make some plays and I feel like we have the depth for that,” he said. “The way our lines are shaped, I think we have depth down all of them, and we can come in waves, and I’m confident that we can keep going, knowing that we lost a pretty good piece.” In response, Kirby Dach has taken over Demidov’s spot on the second line, pairing with centre Alex Newhook and winger Juraj Slafkovsky. Meanwhile, forward Florian Xhekaj has been inserted into the roster ahead of Tuesday’s fixture.
Facing the Hurricanes Again
The Canadiens (1‑0‑1) will host the Carolina Hurricanes in a rematch of last season’s Eastern Conference final, where the Hurricanes ultimately triumphed in five games en route to capturing the Stanley Cup. This encounter marks a key test for Montreal’s adjusted personnel, as they look to determine whether the reshuffled lines can replicate the chemistry previously forged with Demidov’s contributions.
Why it Matters
The timing of Demidov’s absence could prove pivotal for Montreal’s playoff aspirations. While the coaching staff remains optimistic about the team’s depth, the loss of a rookie who posted 62 points in his debut season removes a proven scoring threat at a critical juncture. The ability of Dach, Newhook, and Slafkovsky to step into the vacant role will shape not only the Canadiens’ immediate performance but also set the tone for the rest of the campaign, especially as they aim to avoid a repeat of last year’s early exit against Carolina.
