How Canadiens’ Demidov Can Avoid a Sophomore Slump in 2026-27

When Montreal Canadiens fans saw their team’s Stanley Cup playoff journey come to an end in the Eastern Conference Final last season, the loss probably wasn’t the only thing that was bothering them. Heading into the offseason, Ivan Demidov — one of the franchise’s top young forwards and a Calder Trophy finalist that year — was now seriously in need of a new contract.

Since the 2026-27 campaign marked the final year of Demidov’s three-year entry-level contract, the questions that stood then were: 1. Did Demidov enjoy his time in Montreal so far enough that he’d be willing to stay? and 2. If he did sign with the Habs, would it be now or during next season?

While Demidov didn’t make anything official during his final media session of the 2025-26 season, his responses definitely helped quell those concerns.

“I like the city. I like this team. I like all our boys and the management of the organization is pretty good. I want to stay here,” Demidov said during that media availability on June 1.

“It’s a team who’s going to win not only one Cup, (but) a couple more. That’s my expectation. It’s what I see in this team,” he later added.

Exactly a month after Demidov made those comments, he and his agent backed them up by inking an eight-year, $73.2 million contract with the Canadiens. As expected, general manager Kent Hughes had to pay a significant price to keep Demidov around for the foreseeable future. But after the Russian phenom finished his rookie season with 62 points in 82 games and then added nine more during the postseason, it’s hard to argue that it’s much of an overpay.

So, with his future in Montreal now secured and a full season of NHL action under his belt, Demidov will look to take another stride toward unlocking his full potential in 2026-27. Here are a few ways the Habs could help him do so.

Don’t Place Him On The First Line

While Demidov certainly isn’t a bona fide star in the NHL yet, he does have something in common with many of the league’s brightest stars: He makes his linemates better.

He proved it last season when he shared the ice with players like Alex Newhook and Oliver Kapanen. With Demidov’s support, Newhook finished the playoffs with a career-high 10 points by the time the Canadiens were eliminated. Kapanen also took a step forward alongside Demidov in 2025-26, as he racked up 37 points in his first full NHL season after recording just two in 18 games the previous year.

Because of this, it would be in Montreal’s best interest to keep Demidov away from the top line and save that space for more seasoned players like Nick Suzuki, Juraj Slafkovsky, and Cole Caufield. Demidov’s time on the first line will come eventually, but for now, he’s best suited to contribute and be a leader elsewhere.

Try Giving Him New Linemates

Keeping Demidov outside the first line will be important, but who his linemates are will also play a huge role in his production this season. For Habs coach Martin St. Louis, bringing in new depth players to play centre and wing around Demidov could be exactly what he needs to reach a new level.

One of those players could be Kirby Dach, who recently re-signed with the Canadiens on a one-year deal this summer. Though he’s been bitten by the injury bug more than most in his seven-year NHL career, a healthy Dach could be a perfect fit to centre a second line with Demidov. Other players who may be able to fill in at wing or centre include Alexandre Texier and Jake Evans.

Newly acquired winger Brett Berard could also be in play, although based on his little NHL experience, he’ll more likely be a bottom-six piece for Montreal in 2026-27.

Let Him Lean On Last Season’s Experience

The saying goes “You win, or you learn,” and Demidov did a lot of both during his rookie campaign. He’s well aware now of the speed and physicality that exists in the regular season compared to the playoffs. Using that knowledge, he should be able to play a lot more within himself this season and be better prepared to handle the ups and downs that his team will face.

A DEMIDOV DAGGER ☄️

The rookie's first career Stanley Cup playoffs goal couldn't have come at a better time 🙌 pic.twitter.com/Y6u9SjPDwP

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) May 15, 2026

There’s no denying that Demidov shocked the hockey world (and probably himself) with some highlight-reel moments throughout last season. But this time around, he’ll grip his stick a little less tightly because now he can say he’s been there before.

Don’t Expect Demidov To Unlock His Full Potential In 2026-27

If Demidov does continue to grow, it won’t be a fast process. Just because he was selected fifth overall doesn’t automatically mean he’s going to dominate in the NHL in Year 2. Plus, the Canadiens’ training staff has never made it a point to rush their young players’ development during their first few seasons in the NHL, and Demidov certainly won’t be an exception.

Even if it takes a while for Demidov to unlock his potential, he’s got plenty of time to iron out his mechanics. Over eight years to be exact. Regardless, Habs fans can rest assured that this season will be beneficial for the Russian phenom as he continues to navigate being a full-time NHLer. What that will look like from a production standpoint will ultimately be up to him.