As the season literally wraps up in just a few hours in the KHL, Kent Hughes has just announced excellent news regarding Ivan Demidov.



We know that his KHL contract ends on May 31, and there have been concerns that SKA might find a way to prevent the Montreal Canadiens from getting Demidov’s services next year.

However, a recent statement by General Manager Kent Hughes (reported by TVA Sports) has now erased all of those worries.

Ivan Demidov on the top-6 of the SKA for his last game of the regular season - Dose.ca

Kent Hughes confirms Ivan Demidov’s arrival in Montreal for 2025-2026

Here’s the exact excerpt from the TVA Sports article.

“We know that Demidov is coming [in 2025-2026],” he stated. “We don’t know if he’ll have an immediate impact like Lane Hutson, but that’s what we’re hoping for.”

– Kent Hughes, via the TVA Sports article

So, he should arrive in Montreal after his KHL contract ends (which concludes on May 31).

Seeing what the Montreal Canadiens are already accomplishing this year, it’s exciting to imagine what the team could achieve next season, especially with the continued development of their young core and the addition of an exceptional talent like Demidov.

 

Demidov, 19 years old, had a historic season in the KHL, putting up 49 points in 64 games, including 19 goals despite highly unpredictable and inconsistent ice time (as you’re well aware).

The Canadiens’ 5th overall pick in 2024 is likely to be very well-received in Montreal and quickly.