Ivan Demidov Suffers Fractured Ankle in Preseason, Continues Playing Through Pain
Montreal Canadiens forward Ivan Demidov sustained a fractured ankle during the preseason, a fact confirmed by his agent Dan Milstein. Despite the injury, Demidov played in two regular-season games before being ruled out for two to four weeks, with updates indicating he remains weeks away from returning. The 20-year-old Russian winger had a standout rookie campaign last season, finishing second in Calder Trophy voting.
Montreal Canadiens forward Ivan Demidov, 20, sustained a fractured ankle during the preseason in late September 2026, a fact confirmed by his agent Dan Milstein on November 4 during an appearance on DFO Insider. Despite the injury, Demidov played in two regular-season games, recording a goal and an assist before being ruled out for two to four weeks. By early November, however, Milstein indicated that Demidov remains weeks away from returning, suggesting recovery is taking longer than initially anticipated. The injury was first reported as a lower-body issue when he missed early October games, but the fracture was only confirmed after he expressed discomfort following his first game in Toronto. An MRI was subsequently performed, validating the severity of the injury. Demidov’s absence comes at a critical time for the Canadiens, who are in the midst of a three-game home stand and preparing to face the Utah Mammoth.
Demidov’s prior performance provides context for the significance of his injury. In his rookie season, he tallied 19 goals and 43 assists for 62 points across all 82 regular-season games, finishing second in Calder Trophy voting. He then contributed three goals and six assists in 19 playoff games, establishing himself as a key offensive contributor. His ability to play through pain during the early season reflects both his determination and the team’s reliance on him. The Canadiens’ medical staff and coaching staff likely weighed the risks of playing him versus t
Demidov’s injury underscores the ongoing tension in professional hockey between player longevity and short-term performance demands. His decision to play through pain—despite medical warnings—highlights a culture where elite athletes often push past injuries, potentially risking long-term damage. This case could influence how teams manage rookie players with high expectations, particularly those from international leagues who may be less accustomed to North American hockey’s physicality. The Canadiens’ handling of his recovery may set a precedent for balancing player health with team success, especially in the context of a young roster aiming to build momentum. A comparable earlier case is Connor McDavid’s 2019 concussion, which led to heightened scrutiny over NHL protocols around head injuries and player safety. While Demidov’s injury is not life-threatening, it raises similar questions about medical transparency and team accountability. The broader impact may be a shift in how age