Demidov injury a big challenge for Canadiens to overcome

Oct 6, 2026, 2:03 PM ET|Comments (0)

from Sportsnet, by Eric Engels,

MONTREAL — The Montreal Canadiens will open the Bell Centre on Tuesday without Ivan Demidov , who’s slated to miss up to four weeks with a lower-body injury.

This wasn’t the news the Canadiens were hoping for when the 20-year-old Russian winger opted for treatment and rest rather than practice Monday. Demidov, who led all NHL rookies in scoring with 19 goals and 62 points last season, is one of their best players, even if he hasn’t looked quite like his dominant self since taking a shot off the heel toward the end of a pre-season game Sept 21.

[continued]