The Montreal Canadiens have announced that forward Ivan Demidov will be sidelined for two to four weeks due to a lower-body injury. Demidov, 20, has recorded a goal and an assist in two games this season. Last season, he led all NHL rookies with 62 points (19 goals, 43 assists) and was a finalist for the Calder Trophy. (nhl.com)
The injury comes ahead of the Canadiens' home opener against the Carolina Hurricanes, a rematch of last season's Eastern Conference Final. In Demidov's absence, Kirby Dach is expected to fill his spot on the second line alongside center Alex Newhook and winger Juraj Slafkovsky. Additionally, forward Florian Xhekaj is set to enter the lineup. (montreal.citynews.ca)
Head coach Martin St. Louis expressed confidence in the team's depth, stating, "I don't think it impacts the way we're going to play, and if anything, it gives opportunity to somebody else to make some plays, and I feel like we have the depth for that." (montreal.citynews.ca)
The Canadiens (1-0-1) will face the Hurricanes (1-1-1) at the Bell Centre, with puck drop scheduled for 7:00 PM ET. (nhl.com)