What Happened
Montreal Canadiens winger Ivan Demidov is expected to miss up to four weeks with a lower-body injury, according to Sportsnet. The 20-year-old opted for treatment and rest Monday instead of practicing. A four-week absence would mean missing 12 games. Demidov was injured when he took a shot off the heel in a pre-season game on Sept. 21. Coach Martin St. Louis said he would need to consult trainer Jim Ramsay to determine whether the current injury is new or related to that play.
Key Details
- Demidov, 20, led all NHL rookies last season with 19 goals and 62 points.
- He took a shot off the heel in a pre-season game on Sept. 21.
- A four-week absence would amount to 12 games missed.
- Montreal also is without second-line centre Oliver Kapanen, who is day-to-day with a lower-body injury.
- Demidov recorded a goal and an assist in a 6-5 overtime loss in Pittsburgh last Saturday.
What It Means
Demidov's absence removes one of Montreal's top playmakers and a key power-play presence for a stretch of up to 12 games. His production last season drew attention away from Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield and Juraj Slafkovsky. St. Louis said the team has the depth to handle the loss and that it creates opportunities for other players, but replacing a rookie scoring leader is a significant challenge.
What's Next
The Canadiens opened their home schedule Tuesday against the Carolina Hurricanes without Demidov. The team will continue to evaluate his lower-body injury, and St. Louis said he would consult trainer Jim Ramsay to determine whether it is a new issue or related to the pre-season shot he blocked.