Demidov to make Canadiens debut vs. Blackhawks

Prized Montreal Canadiens prospect Ivan Demidov will make his NHL debut Monday against the Chicago Blackhawks, head coach Martin St. Louis announced.

Demidov signed his entry-level contract with the Canadiens last week, which was earlier than expected. His KHL deal with SKA Saint Petersburg wasn't set to expire until May 31, but the Russian club reached an agreement with the Habs to release him early.

The Canadiens have two games left and can clinch a playoff spot with a win Monday. Montreal has a three-point advantage over the Columbus Blue Jackets in the race for the final wild-card seed in the Eastern Conference.

Demidov, 19, led SKA Saint Petersburg with 49 points in 65 games this season while averaging only 13:45 per contest. He broke Kirill Kaprizov's league record for points by an Under-20 player.

He was on the third line with Alex Newhook and Joel Armia at Monday's practice, according to Sportsnet's Eric Engels.

The Canadiens drafted Demidov fifth overall in 2024.