As the 2025–26 season gets closer, the Montreal Canadiens aren’t grabbing headlines with big-name trades or high-priced signings—and that’s fine. What they are doing is adding the right pieces, the kind that actually fit. And that might matter more in the long run.
Related: Top Canadiens’ Priorities Heading into 2025-26
With Ivan Demidov now in the fold and Zachary Bolduc joining the mix, the Habs are starting to look less like a rebuilding team and more like one that’s finally turning the corner. This isn’t hype for hype’s sake. These two players bring real skill, real production, and real upside. Furthermore, they might help change the way this team plays on a consistent basis.
Ivan Demidov: Montreal’s Next Must-Watch Forward
There’s been lots of buzz around Demidov since before the Canadiens drafted him fifth overall in 2024. But after what he did last season in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL), that buzz has turned into genuine excitement. Demidov ended his first full season with SKA St. Petersburg, putting up 49 points in 65 games.
By doing that, he surpassed the all-time KHL record for a player under 20. He didn’t just beat the old mark—he blew past it. And he followed that up with five points in six playoff games, producing even while dealing with uneven ice time and the kind of lineup juggling young players often face in Russia.
By the time he got to Montreal late last season, it was clear he belonged. Two NHL regular-season games, two points. Five playoff games, two more assists.
Related: Canadiens 2025-26 Player Previews: Mike Matheson
It’s a small sample, but the skill translated—and that’s all fans needed to see. Scouts rave about his creativity and poise. He wants the puck, and he wants to make things happen. That’s the kind of attitude that fits right in at the Bell Centre. Don’t be surprised if Demidov starts the season on the second line and never looks back. He’s not just here to try—he’s here to make an impact.
Zachary Bolduc: The Under-the-Radar Addition Who Could Do a Lot
While Demidov grabbed headlines, the Canadiens quietly pulled off a smart move on July 1, sending defense prospect Logan Mailloux to St. Louis in exchange for Bolduc. It didn’t lead the SportsCentre news cycle, but make no mistake—this was a real upgrade.
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at The Hockey Writers…