Ivan Demidov sidelined two to four weeks as Canadiens adjust

The Montreal Canadiens will be without forward Ivan Demidov for an estimated two to four weeks after he suffered a lower-body injury, the team announced Tuesday morning. The news comes on the day the Canadiens are set to host the Carolina Hurricanes at the Bell Centre, forcing early adjustments to the club’s forward group.

The Canadiens did not disclose further specifics about the nature of the injury, describing it only as a lower-body issue, in keeping with common NHL practice. Demidov had already missed Monday’s practice, a first sign his condition was serious enough to put his short-term availability in doubt.

Injury follows earlier pre-season scare in Trois-Rivières

This setback arrives a couple of weeks after Demidov was struck in the foot during a pre-season game in Trois-Rivières on September 21. That incident caused him to miss some practice time, though he was able to return in time to play the first two games of the regular season. Despite the lingering concern, he had been in the lineup consistently until this latest development.

Offensively, Demidov had already made his presence felt with one goal and one assist so far this season. Last year, he totalled 62 points in 82 games, including 19 goals and 43 assists, underlining how important he is to Montreal’s attack. His absence will oblige head coach Martin St. Louis to shuffle his lines and redistribute offensive responsibilities over the coming weeks.

Florian Xhekaj likely to step in against Hurricanes

The Canadiens have not officially confirmed who will replace Demidov in the lineup against Carolina. However, based on line rushes at practice, Florian Xhekaj appears to be the leading candidate to draw in and make his season debut. He was used in regular line combinations, indicating he is being prepared for game action.

If that alignment holds, Oliver Kapanen is expected to remain a healthy scratch. The team has not announced any recalls or additional roster moves to compensate for Demidov’s absence, suggesting the short-term solution will come from within the current group. Montreal will therefore move forward without one of its key offensive pieces, hoping the recovery timetable trends closer to the shorter end of the two-to-four-week window.

Until more clarity emerges on his progress, Demidov’s status will be closely monitored, as his return will be a significant factor in how the Canadiens navigate the early portion of their schedule.