Ivan Demidov’s Injury Highlights Canadiens’ Depth Strategy

In the final days of the off‑season, the Canadiens brought in veteran winger Chris Kreider, a signing that was touted as a solid depth addition to an already formidable roster.

The injury curse struck quickly, as star winger Ivan Demidov faces a two‑to‑four‑week absence due to a lower‑body ailment, sidelining him for the foreseeable future.

If there were any doubts before, GM Kent Hughes’s decision to secure Chris Kreider on a one‑year, $2.15 million deal now looks prescient.

Kreider is not a magic fix, yet he has already recorded a goal and two points in Montreal’s opening two contests—a promising start that should endear him to the fanbase.

Kreider’s affordable contract gives Hughes leeway in managing the salary cap, with roughly $1.9 million remaining. Should Demidov’s injury linger, the extra flexibility could prove crucial for Montreal to make a significant move at the trade deadline.

The acquisition essentially fell into the Canadiens’ laps, but Hughes still had to convince Kreider of his role within the organization.

Age eventually catches up to everyone; at 35, Kreider’s effectiveness will likely decline at some point. Nevertheless, the modest contract makes the signing a shrewd boon for a club eager for a proven playoff veteran.

Should further injuries arise, Hughes will be pleased to have preserved cap flexibility. While spending the full cap early might look aggressive, staying patient and opportunistic keeps the Canadiens positioned to be active at the trade deadline.

Why Canadiens GM Kent Hughes Made Up For Quiet Summer With Kreider, Bolduc Contracts
The Montreal Canadiens were quiet this off-season, but that changed this weekend, bringing in Chris Kreider and re-signing Zachary Bolduc. The Habs were going to be dangerous even without Kreider and Bolduc, but their lineup is now stacked – and Montreal is only getting better.

Ideally, Demidov could be back in roughly two weeks, but relying on the best‑case scenario isn’t prudent when health uncertainties loom. Recovery times can stretch from a few weeks to a month or more.

Failing to build roster flexibility would be irresponsible given the unpredictable nature of injuries.

With Kreider’s contribution, Hughes has achieved the intended flexibility. The club lacks sufficient cap or assets for a blockbuster—evidenced by the missed opportunity to acquire Toronto’s Kirill Marchenko—but the saved space allows for acquiring additional help later in the season.

Entering the season with high expectations for a strong 2025‑26 campaign, a few strategic veteran additions could be all Montreal needs to capture the Stanley Cup.

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