Canadiens sign Demidov to eight-year extension

Ivan Demidov is set to remain a cornerstone of the Montreal Canadiens' young core for the foreseeable future, having signed an eight-year contract extension worth US$73 million. The deal, announced Wednesday, will keep the skilled Russian forward with the team through the 2034-35 season.

Demidov, who just turned 20, made an immediate impact in his rookie NHL season, leading all first-year players with 62 points (19 goals, 43 assists). His performance earned him a second-place finish in the Calder Trophy voting for the league's top rookie.

This significant investment in Demidov aligns with the Canadiens' strategy of building around a talented group of young players. He joins fellow key members of the core, including Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, Juraj Slafkovsky, and Lane Hutson, all of whom are under contract through at least the 2030 season.

In separate moves around the league on Wednesday, the Toronto Maple Leafs sent pending restricted free agent Nick Robertson to the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for a 2028 fourth-round draft pick. Robertson, who had a career-high 16 goals and 32 points in 78 games last season, will be reunited with former Maple Leafs general manager Kyle Dubas, now the Penguins' president of hockey operations. Additionally, the Ottawa Senators re-signed veteran forward Nick Cousins to a two-year, US$3.175 million contract.