Not so long ago, Alexander Romanov was wearing the Sainte-Flanelle, until one July evening in 2022, after two seasons, everything changed. The Montreal Canadiens [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/montreal-canadiens] had drafted a left-shot defenseman with the 38th pick overall at the 2018 draft, and at the time, the selection was considered a massive reach. Four years on, however, New York Islanders [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-islanders]’ GM Lou Lamoriello felt comfortable flipping his first-round pick to the Canadiens to obtain the gritty defenseman, and he didn’t have to regret it. Now, Lamoriello is gone, but coach Patrick Roy remains, and when Mathieu Darche was hired as GM, he wasted no time signing Romanov to a long-term deal. Canadiens Ink Promising Goaltender To New Contract [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/montreal-canadiens/latest-news/canadiens-ink-promising-goaltender-to-new-contract] An Intriguing New Player At Development Camp [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/montreal-canadiens/latest-news/an-intriguing-new-player-at-development-camp] Canadiens Prospect Signs With Blainville-Boisbriand [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/montreal-canadiens/latest-news/canadiens-prospect-signs-with-blainville-boisbriand] According to an exclusive interview with RG.org, the 25-year-old didn’t expect a long-term contract, certainly not one over six years, and yet he’s put pen to paper on an eight-year deal with an impressive $6.25 million cap hit. The Russian blueliner is loving his life in New York and didn’t want to end up anywhere else. Given that he spent two years in Montreal, he was also asked if he had any advice for rookie Ivan Demidov, and he did have some words of wisdom for the Canadiens' most exciting offensive player in years. In a nutshell, he advises Demidov to stay focused on his job, work hard, listen to his coaches, and tune out the distractions. Wise words from the rearguard who knows just how intense things can get in Montreal with knowledgeable and passionate fans. So far, at least, it looks like Demidov is doing the right thing. He stayed in Montreal to work on his game this Summer, and he hasn't been spotted here and there partying. The videos that did make their way online were all about his working out at the Centre Sportif CN in Brossard. Of course, there have been some social media posts about his beach holiday, the car he rented, and the fact that he attended Patrik Laine’s wedding, but nothing has been controversial or over the line. This upcoming weekend, he’ll be taking part in a showcase in Blainville-Boisbriand, a shootout contest, and next week, he’ll start playing in the LSHL, where fans can see him compete alongside Nick Suzuki, Alexander Carrier, and Joshua Roy. So far, so good. Demidov seems to be focused entirely on becoming the best hockey player he can be. Still, Romanov adds that life should be good in Montreal for Demidov, as players in that market often receive freebies. He imagines that if your name is Ivan Demidov, almost everything will be free. Photo credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Canadiens stories, analysis, breaking news, and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News [https://news.google.com/publications/CAAqBwgKMK-q0gsw7sXpAw/sections/CAQqEAgAKgcICjCvqtILMO7F6QMwo-DfCA?hl=en-CA&gl=CA&ceid=CA%3Aen], never to miss a story. Follow Karine on X @KarineHains [https://x.com/KarineHains] Bluesky @karinehains.bsky.social [https://bsky.app/profile/karinehains.bsky.social] and Threads @karinehains [https://www.threads.net/@karinehains]. Bookmark The Hockey News Canadiens' page [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/montreal-canadiens/] for all the news and happenings around the Canadiens. Join the discussion by signing up to the Canadiens' roundtable [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/montreal-canadiens] on The Hockey News.
