Ivan Demidov remains sidelined for the Montreal Canadiens after the club announced that the 20-year-old forward will miss two to four weeks because of a lower-body injury.
The Canadiens placed Demidov on the injured list on October 6, shortly before their home opener against the Carolina Hurricanes.
The team has not disclosed the specific nature of the injury.
Table of Contents
Ivan Demidov has already missed several games
Demidov had played Montreal’s first two regular-season games before the injury was announced.
He recorded one goal and one assist during that opening stretch.
His last appearance came in Montreal’s 6-5 overtime loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins on October 4.
Demidov scored once and added an assist while playing 16:03.
The forward had also missed practices before the Canadiens confirmed his injury.
The club previously described one absence as a therapy day, before announcing the longer-term status the following day.
As of October 14, Demidov was still listed among Montreal’s injured players ahead of the Canadiens’ game against the Washington Capitals.
Expected return window for the Canadiens forward
The two-to-four-week estimate announced on October 6 points to a potential return window beginning around October 20 and extending into early November, if Demidov follows the expected recovery timeline.
That is only an approximate window.
The Canadiens have not provided a target game for his return, and the team is expected to evaluate his progress before clearing him to resume full activity.
Demidov’s absence comes early in the season, when Montreal is still adjusting its forward combinations.
The club initially used him alongside Juraj Slafkovsky and Alex Newhook.
Kirby Dach moved into Demidov’s spot on that line after the injury was announced.
Other players have also been asked to take on larger responsibilities as Montreal manages multiple early-season absences.
Demidov’s role in Montreal’s lineup
Demidov was one of the Canadiens’ most productive players last season.
He finished his first full NHL campaign with 19 goals and 43 assists for 62 points in 82 games.
Those totals placed him among the league’s top rookies.
He led first-year players in points, assists and power-play points, and finished as a finalist for the Calder Memorial Trophy.
He added three goals and six assists in 19 playoff games as Montreal reached the Eastern Conference Final before losing to Carolina in five games.
The Canadiens selected Demidov fifth overall in the 2024 NHL Draft.
His long-term importance to the organization was reinforced in July, when Montreal agreed to an eight-year contract extension worth $73.2 million.
The extension begins with the 2027-28 season and carries an average annual value of $9.15 million.
Montreal has continued without him
Montreal entered its October 14 matchup with Washington carrying a 3-2-1 record.
The Canadiens were also dealing with injuries to goaltender Samuel Montembeault, forward Oliver Kapanen and defencemen Mike Matheson and Florian Xhekaj.
Head coach Martin St. Louis said after Demidov’s injury that the situation would create an opportunity for another player while expressing confidence in the team’s depth.
That depth will be tested until Demidov returns.
Montreal has used a mix of established forwards and younger players to cover the open spot, while continuing to adjust its lines from game to game.
What happens next
The Canadiens are expected to continue monitoring Demidov away from the lineup and provide another update when he is ready to resume skating or take part in full-contact practice.
Until then, the team will have to replace his offensive production by committee.
His return could give Montreal another playmaker for its middle-six forward group and power-play units.
For now, the only confirmed timeline is the club’s original estimate of two to four weeks.
No exact return date has been announced.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will Ivan Demidov be out?
The Montreal Canadiens said on October 6 that Demidov is expected to miss two to four weeks because of a lower-body injury.
What injury does Ivan Demidov have?
The Canadiens have identified it as a lower-body injury but have not disclosed the specific diagnosis.
When could Ivan Demidov return?
Based on the two-to-four-week estimate from October 6, his potential return window begins around October 20 and could extend into early November, subject to medical clearance.
How did Ivan Demidov perform last season?
He recorded 19 goals and 43 assists for 62 points in 82 games during his first full NHL season and was a Calder Trophy finalist.
Who replaced Ivan Demidov in Montreal’s lineup?
Kirby Dach moved into Demidov’s spot alongside Alex Newhook and Juraj Slafkovsky after the injury was announced, although Montreal’s combinations may continue to change.
Fact-Checked: Key injury, roster, contract and statistical details were checked against official Montreal Canadiens and NHL information. ([nhl.com](https://www.nhl.com/canadiens/news/ivan-demidov-out-two-to-four-weeks-oct-6-2026?utm_source=openai))
Disclaimer: The projected return window is approximate and may change based on Demidov’s recovery and medical clearance.