Ivan Demidov (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
In a major shift that caps off weeks of behind-the-scenes negotiations, Ivan Demidov has officially signed his three-year entry-level contract with the Montreal Canadiens. The news, first broken by RG, confirms that the 19-year-old Russian phenom will be making his long-awaited North American transition—one that had previously seemed uncertain as recently as last month.
Montreal management had remained tight-lipped about the possibility of Demidov joining the team before season’s end, but sources close to the player confirmed that his camp worked diligently to clear all remaining hurdles. Those efforts, led in part by negotiations with SKA St. Petersburg and club manager Roman Rotenberg, allowed Demidov to terminate his KHL obligations early and pave the way for an NHL debut sooner than anticipated.
The Canadiens have now secured the services of one of the most electrifying young players in the world, and fans in Montreal will soon get a firsthand look at a player many believe can become a franchise cornerstone.
A Smooth Exit: Demidov Clears Border and Heads to Canada
Demidov’s journey to North America is already underway. According to RG sources, he crossed the Russian border without issue on Wednesday, departing Moscow and boarding a connecting flight to Istanbul. He left Russia around 5 a.m. ET, a key checkpoint that his team had been slightly anxious about, though it ultimately went off without incident.
His itinerary includes a brief stopover in Turkey, where he will finalize the paperwork required for Canadian entry. This step is standard for international athletes, but had to be expedited due to the tight timeline surrounding his arrival and expected debut.
The reason for the little delay is because, as agent Dan Milstein has informed RG, the entire process - terminating his KHL contract and signing his NHL ELC - took just three hours. Due to the rapid evolution of the situation, a work visa, which is essential for Demidov to play in the NHL, is needed before he can enter Canada.
Assuming no delays, Demidov is expected to arrive in Toronto on Friday, where he will meet up with the Canadiens. If any documents are held up or slow to process, a contingency plan is in place for him to fly directly to Montreal and join the team from there.
The Canadiens are scheduled to return home just in time for him to begin skating with the group over the weekend.
Debut Timeline: All Eyes on Monday vs. Chicago
The current target date for Demidov’s NHL debut is likely Monday night against the Chicago Blackhawks, a home game that offers an ideal launch pad for his transition to North American hockey. The timing allows him a few days to practice, get acclimated with the pace of play, and settle into the Canadiens’ systems before stepping onto the Bell Centre ice for the first time.
From a hockey standpoint, the matchup makes sense. Chicago has also been leaning on young talent, and the lower-stakes environment could allow Demidov to focus more on adapting than being the center of attention. That said, expectations will be high—both inside the building and across the fanbase.
It’s also poetic for the youngster, as Chicago passed on him to select fellow Gold Star client, Artyom Levshunov, in the 2024 NHL Draft.
Behind the scenes, there is confidence that his conditioning and game shape are exactly where they need to be. Demidov played heavy minutes this year in the KHL and is coming off a physically demanding season that many believe prepared him well for the NHL grind.
Jersey Number TBD: Humble Approach from the Star Prospect
One of the final details yet to be confirmed is what jersey number Demidov will wear when he steps onto NHL ice. The forward wore #91 during his time with SKA, but he made it clear to team staff that he doesn’t want to step on any toes in Montreal.
If #91 is available, he’ll gladly take it. If not, he’s willing to wear any available number for the rest of the season, with the option to potentially switch in the offseason. His agents and those close to the player describe him as humble and grounded—more focused on fitting in with the team than making a statement with a number on his back.
“I’ve seen a lot of reports saying Ivan will wear No. 91 this season. But that number is currently taken by another player,” said Milstein to RG. “Ivan won’t ask for it to be reassigned, so you’ll likely see him debut in the NHL under a different number.”
Given Montreal’s long and storied history, many numbers are off-limits due to retirements, which could further complicate the decision. For now, the number is secondary to what really matters: Ivan Demidov is coming to Montreal, and his era is about to begin.
Marco D'Amico is a beat reporter covering the Montreal Canadiens and the NHL Draft, while also being a recurring guest on TSN690 and BPM Sports. His work primarily on NHL CBA breakdowns and prospect analysis, all while covering the Montreal Canadiens on a day-to-day basis.
