A seismic shift has just rocked the National Hockey League, sending shockwaves through front offices and fanbases alike. The Minnesota Wild have inked superstar Kirill Kaprizov to an unprecedented $17 million per year deal—the biggest contract in NHL history.

While this jaw-dropping agreement is a testament to Kaprizov’s electrifying talent and game-changing presence on the ice, it’s also a wake-up call for teams with rising stars on their rosters. At the heart of this ripple effect sits Montreal Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes, who now faces a daunting new reality as he looks ahead to the future of his own young phenom, Ivan Demidov.

With Kaprizov’s record-breaking payday setting a new benchmark for elite forwards, the stakes have suddenly skyrocketed for Demidov’s next contract negotiations.

Could Montreal be heading toward a salary-cap crisis? Will Demidov’s projected value force the Canadiens into making bold, unexpected moves to keep him in the fold? As comparisons swirl and insiders warn of tough choices on the horizon, the pressure is mounting in Montreal. What does Kaprizov’s deal really mean for the Canadiens—and how will it shape their plans for Ivan Demidov? The answers may be more dramatic than anyone expects.

Photo of Kirill Kaprizov (left), Kent Hughes (Middle), Ivan Demidov (right)

Photo credit: HabsFanatics/NHL

A major piece of news recently broke in the National Hockey League involving the Minnesota Wild and star forward Kirill Kaprizov.

Kaprizov has signed the biggest contract in NHL history-no less!

All the details are in the Wild’s official release, but this is truly massive news!

He’s an incredible hockey player, too!

“Kirill Kaprizov, signed 8 x $17M by MIN, is a superstar winger who’s both an elite playmaker and a perennial 50-goal threat. Unreal hands and creativity and underrated commitment in his own end, especially getting pucks back in the d-zone and starting the rush.”

– JFresh

That said, this signing isn’t exactly good news for Kent Hughes and the Montreal Canadiens.

At the very least, it signals a looming salary-cap nightmare, especially when it comes to young Ivan Demidov.

Yes, Kent Hughes will have some very big decisions to make over the coming months to ensure he can re-sign Ivan Demidov once his entry-level contract expires.

Kirill Kaprizov Signs for $17 Million Per Year: The Price of Ivan Demidov’s Next Contract Just Skyrocketed!

This makes things very interesting (and complicated) for Kent Hughes.

“Kent Hughes might already be having nightmares..”

– DLC

If Kirill Kaprizov Is Worth $17M, How Much Is Ivan Demidov Worth? That’s essentially what Marc-Olivier Cook is pointing out.

“However, seeing Kaprizov’s contract.. it’s understandable to be a bit worried about Ivan Demidov’s future value.

If Demidov follows in his compatriot’s footsteps-as many expect-and quickly becomes one of the NHL’s top players (which could very well happen).. it’s going to be expensive for Montreal.”

– Marc-Olivier Cook

Kent Hughes needs to start preparing now-and making room for it.

If Demidov truly becomes the player many believe he can be, his next contract will cost the Montreal Canadiens a fortune.

There are big decisions and tough choices ahead for the Montreal Canadiens.

Story to follow.