# STEAL: Montreal Canadiens SIGN Ivan Demidov Long-Term, Future Looks BRIGHT With Cap Flexibility

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/locked-on-canadiens-daily-podcast-on-the-montreal-canadiens-444785/steal-montreal-canadiens-sign-ivan-demidov-long-term-future-looks-bright-with-cap-flexibility
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/locked-on-canadiens-daily-podcast-on-the-montreal-canadiens-444785/steal-montreal-canadiens-sign-ivan-demidov-long-term-future-looks-bright-with-cap-flexibility.md
Podcast: [Locked On Canadiens - Daily Podcast on the Montreal Canadiens](https://stenobird.com/podcast/locked-on-canadiens-daily-podcast-on-the-montreal-canadiens-444785)
Published: 2026-07-02T04:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts/locked-on-canadiens/
Audio file: https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/pdrl.fm/7394b4/lockedon.simplecastaudio.com/89bc21bd-170a-47f3-9426-fcea89a4bba1/episodes/6ebe4176-490d-42b1-90e8-063b585265b4/audio/128/default.mp3?aid=rss_feed&awCollectionId=89bc21bd-170a-47f3-9426-fcea89a4bba1&awEpisodeId=6ebe4176-490d-42b1-90e8-063b585265b4&feed=sKoAYobd
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Duration seconds: 2094

## Resource

Montreal Canadiens lock in Ivan Demidov with a stunning eight-year, $9.15M AAV extension, solidifying a talented, hungry young core without a single $10M cap hit. Could this disciplined cap management set up the Canadiens to make a blockbuster move next season? Ian Boisvert and Laura Saba highlight Demidov’s commitment, the team’s forward-thinking contract structure, and what it means for fellow stars like Lane Hutson and Noah Dobson. They break down why GM Kent Hughes stayed quiet during free agency, Montreal’s enviable cap flexibility, and the lackluster UFA market. The conversation turns to wild NHL moves—focusing on Bowen Byram’s massive contract in Chicago, Toronto’s flurry of risky signings, and Buffalo’s puzzling roster shakeup. Which Eastern Conference rivals truly got better, and is Montreal poised to seize an opportunity after another patient offseason?

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