Montreal Canadiens face a crucial offseason decision with rising star attracting widespread attention amid new NHL agreement changes

The Montreal Canadiens will likely prioritise a long-term deal with emerging winger Ivan Demidov this offseason. With NHL collective bargaining agreement changes on the horizon, both the player and the organization seem motivated to strike a deal before new contract rules are implemented.

Demidov has had a strong rookie season and is now one of the most important pieces of Montreal’s future. The situation has caught the attention of the league, especially as the Canadiens continue to build around a young core that is expected to be competitive for years to come.

Ivan Demidov and Montreal Canadiens NHL future discussed

The discussion focused on a possible long-term contract for Ivan Demidov. The 20-year-old forward had an outstanding first full season with the Montreal Canadiens, finishing as the top-scoring rookie with 62 points, and added nine points in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The play cemented his status as a cornerstone player for the franchise.

Demidov has made it clear many times he wants to be in Montreal long term, but general manager Kent Hughes has said publicly the organization views Demidov as a core piece.

The next NHL collective bargaining agreement could influence the structure of Demidov’s next contract. Starting in September, the maximum length of a contract will be cut from eight years to seven years and signing bonus restrictions will be tightened. That’s because Demidov will be eligible for an extension on July 1, so there’s an incentive for both sides to get a deal done before the new rules kick in.

Montreal has been surrounding young talent of late. Captain Nick Suzuki, winger Juraj Slafkovsky, defenseman Lane Hutson and defenseman Kaiden Guhle are all locked up long-term. Their willingness to stay with the organization has given management the flexibility to continue to bolster the roster.

And Lane Hutson and Ivan Demidov have become good friends, too. They've pushed each other a lot in practice, too.

The future of Ivan Demidov remains one of the league’s most intriguing storylines as NHL news roundup discussions continue throughout the summer.