Canadiens GM Provides Ivan Demidov Update Before Maple Leafs Game

Montreal Canadiens star forward Ivan Demidov has not played for the team since their Oct. 3 matchup against the Pittsburgh Penguins due to a fractured right ankle.

Now, Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes has provided an update on Demidov.

While speaking with Sportsnet's Eric Engels, Hughes shared that while Demidov has been out longer than his previously expected two-to-four-week timeline, he has not suffered any setbacks with his recovery. 

In addition, Hughes shared with Engels that the team believes Demidov will not miss much more time and is making progress, but also that the team is unable to give a definite timeline for the young star's return right now. 

Hearing that Demidov has not suffered any setbacks and is making progress toward returning is good news. Now, Montreal will be hoping that Demidov can continue to trend in the right direction with his recovery so he can get back in their lineup soon.

While the Canadiens are having a strong start to the season, there is no question that they miss Demidov. He is one of their top forwards, so they should be an even more difficult team to face once he is back. 

Demidov has one goal and one assist in two games this season. This is after he had 19 goals and 62 points in 82 games last season for Montreal.