Published Oct. 6, 2026. Montreal Canadiens forward Ivan Demidov will miss an estimated two to four weeks because of a lower-body injury, creating an early lineup test for a team that relied heavily on his playmaking last season.
The NHL reported the timetable on Oct. 6 ahead of Montreal’s game against the Carolina Hurricanes. The team did not disclose a more specific diagnosis in the official update.
Demidov’s early-season absence
Demidov recorded a goal and an assist while playing 16 minutes, 3 seconds in Montreal’s 6–5 overtime loss to Pittsburgh on Saturday. That was the Canadiens’ most recent game before the injury update.
Coach Martin St. Louis said the club believes it has enough depth to maintain its style of play, while acknowledging that Montreal has lost an important part of its lineup. Florian Xhekaj was scheduled to make his season debut Tuesday with Demidov unavailable.
What Montreal is losing
The 20-year-old forward played all 82 regular-season games in 2025–26 and finished with 62 points on 19 goals and 43 assists. He led NHL rookies in assists and total points and was a finalist for the Calder Trophy.
Demidov also produced nine points in 19 playoff games as Montreal advanced to the Eastern Conference Final. His ability to create chances and contribute on the power play makes his absence more significant than a routine early-season lineup change.
Return window and uncertainty
A two-to-four-week estimate is a range, not a guaranteed return date. Recovery, skating progress and medical clearance can change the timetable, and Montreal has not announced a specific game for Demidov’s return.
The Canadiens’ next updates will determine whether he resumes skating during the lower end of that window or requires closer to a month away. Until the club provides new medical information, the official estimate remains the most reliable guide.
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Featured image: Photo by Klim Musalimov on Unsplash. Image is illustrative and does not show Ivan Demidov.