The Montreal Canadiens have once again found themselves at the center of attention as the dust settles on another intense playoff run. With the arrival of electrifying young talent Ivan Demidov, the atmosphere in Montreal has shifted dramatically—on and off the ice. While fans have been captivated by Demidov’s performance and the promise he brings to the franchise, a new twist has emerged behind the scenes, one that could have far-reaching implications for the team’s future.

As the front office navigates the complexities of roster management and cap space, unexpected challenges have begun to surface. The excitement surrounding Demidov’s contributions is now matched by a sense of urgency as the Canadiens face difficult decisions in the wake of recent developments. Questions are swirling within the organization and among the fanbase about how these new circumstances will affect the team’s plans for the upcoming season.

General Manager Kent Hughes and his staff are under the microscope, tasked with steering the storied franchise through a period of both great promise and new obstacles. As the Canadiens prepare for what lies ahead, the stakes have never been higher—and the next moves could define the trajectory of the team for years to come.

Apr 16, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens right wing Ivan Demidov (93) waits for a face-off against the Carolina Hurricanes in the third period at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

The arrival of Ivan Demidov with the Montreal Canadiens has altered some plans. Notably, due to the structure of his contract, a new penalty has indeed been imposed on the Habs following the playoff run of the young sensation wearing number 93.

Because of the bonuses granted to Demidov by the Canadiens and his number of playoff games played, a new (salary cap) penalty has been imposed on the team.

Kent Hughes will have to manage this financial penalty over the coming months.

As confirmed by PuckPedia, the Canadiens already had a penalty of $1.727 million on the 2025-2026 salary cap due to various bonuses awarded.

A new penalty for Kent Hughes and the Montreal Canadiens due to Ivan Demidov’s playoff run

Since Demidov played in exactly five playoff games, the forward earned a $25,000 bonus.

“Ivan Demidov earned a $25,000 bonus for playing in five playoff games with the Montreal Canadiens.

That increased the performance bonus penalty imposed on MTL for next season to $1,752,500.”

– PuckPedia

As a result, the Canadiens will have $86.247 million to build a roster for the 2025-2026 season, instead of the $88 million available to other teams.

The Canadiens now become the second most penalized team in the NHL in this regard.

1 – St. Louis Blues: $2.153 million
2 – Montreal Canadiens: $1.752 million
3 – Minnesota Wild: $1.100 million
4 – New Jersey Devils: $1.000 million
5 – Detroit Red Wings: $871,150

That rounds out the top 5!