Canadiens Lock Up Demidov With Eight-Year, $73M Extension

Montreal isn't waiting around to find out if Ivan Demidov becomes the franchise cornerstone they're banking on - they've already inked him to a long-term deal that signals serious confidence in the young forward's trajectory. The eight-year extension worth $73 million represents a significant commitment from a Canadiens organization that's been rebuilding and searching for that next elite talent to build around.