The Canadiens will have to wait until 2025-26 for Ivan Demidov

Ivan Demidov is staying in Russia.

Ivan Demidov (91) SKA Hockey Club seen in action during the...
Ivan Demidov (91) SKA Hockey Club seen in action during the... | SOPA Images/GettyImages

The folks over at RG.org have been well-connected with the Ivan Demidov situation, and they have another inside source that won't go over well with Montreal Canadiens fans. Marco D'Amico reports that Ivan Demidov may not be available to the Habs until June 1 since the KHL pushed the end of their league calendar to May 31. Roman Rotenberg has no interest in letting Demidov out of his contract, so the top prospect needs to play it out.

""Demidov can only leave for the NHL this season if Roman Rotenberg agrees to terminate his contract by mutual consent. This happened when Vladislav Gavrikov and Nikita Gusev left for the NHL. But in their case, there was a behind-the-scenes agreement that the players would go to the IIHF World Championship as soon as Columbus and Vegas were eliminated from the playoffs. Montreal is not going to convince SKA. Demidov has a valid contract. Everyone understands that Rotenberg will not let him go early. No one has any illusions. No one is asking for anything. No one is persuading anyone.” "
RG.org source

Kent Hughes does not believe Rotenberg will let Demidov out of the contract. If this season has told us anything, Rotenberg isn't interested in doing him or the Canadiens any favors. Demidov is also well aware of the consequences and the Canadiens' current position in the standings, making him not coming to Montreal easier to handle. Montreal would have to play playoff games in June to see Demidov in the NHL this season.

"“Montreal understands that he will not come to them before the 2025-26 season under any scenario and Ivan himself is fine with this. He's just working off his contract.”"
Kent Hughes

Demidov has 20 points in 29 games this season, but just one assist over his last five games. The uncertainty of Demidov's place in the lineup continued this week when Rotenberg put him on the fourth line. The hype around the prospect died down since the Canadiens season has started, but he has been rolling along in the KHL.

By all accounts, this will be the only season the Canadiens fans will have to worry about Demidov's ice time. It's safe to say that he will be in the Habs' opening night lineup for the 2025-26 season if he is healthy.

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