The Montreal Canadiens have abruptly pulled two regular forwards from their summer break, signaling a major shift in the team’s roster planning ahead of the 2024-25 season.
Alexander Zharovsky and Ivan Demidov were spotted training at the club’s Brossard facility this morning, according to local media reports, just days after rumors surfaced about potential trades. The move comes as general manager Kent Hughes continues to restructure the team’s lineup amid a tight playoff race in the National Hockey League.
Why the Canadiens’ Summer Plans Just Changed
Zharovsky, a 28-year-old winger with 11 goals and 22 assists in 72 games last season, and Demidov, a 25-year-old center with 10 goals and 18 assists, had been expected to remain with the team through the offseason. Their sudden return to training suggests Hughes is either preparing for a trade or evaluating their roles in a potential rebuild.
According to Rumeurs de Transaction, Hughes has already added a Canadiens player to the trade market, though the identity remains undisclosed. The timing aligns with reports that Zharovsky and Demidov could be part of a package to acquire high-end talent ahead of the July 1 deadline.
What This Means for Montreal’s Playoff Push
The Canadiens sit sixth in the Atlantic Division with 93 points, just 10 behind the Boston Bruins for the final playoff spot. With the NHL’s salary cap set to rise by $10 million next season, Hughes faces pressure to either retain key players or trade for impact forwards to secure a postseason berth.
Zharovsky’s presence in Brossard could indicate Montreal is exploring a trade for a top-tier defenseman or goalie, a move that would reshape the roster’s depth. Demidov, meanwhile, has been linked to multiple teams as a potential trade chip, though his return suggests the club may still be weighing offers.
Key Figures and Next Steps
Both players have been integral to Montreal’s offense in recent years, but their futures now hinge on whether Hughes can secure a deal that improves the team’s playoff chances. The July 1 trade deadline looms as the critical deadline for any moves.
If Zharovsky and Demidov remain with the team, their training sessions could signal a shift toward a more defensive approach in the lineup. However, with the Bruins and Toronto Maple Leafs still in contention, Montreal’s window to make a splash may be closing.
Next on the Canadiens’ schedule: The team will continue training in Brossard through mid-July, with no official trade announcements expected before the deadline.
