Ivan Demidov’s new deal with the Montreal Canadiens may have looked like a bargain to plenty of outside observers, but his agent isn’t buying the idea that the winger got shortchanged.
Dan Milstein stepped in to push back on the talk surrounding the contract, offering a different read on how the agreement came together and how Demidov feels about it.
“The dialogue lasted for six months. Both sides expressed a desire to sign a contract and not wait for this one to expire.”
Milstein says there was no tension behind the scenes and no sign of regret from his client. In his view, Demidov is fully on board with the deal.
“Vanya received a good contract... He's very happy with the deal.”
That matters, because the reaction around the contract quickly turned toward the Canadiens getting a steal. But according to Milstein, the bigger picture is security. For a young player, locking in a long-term arrangement carries real weight, and the negotiations stretched over six months precisely so nothing would be rushed.
Demidov’s side, at least publicly, sees the value in that stability. The contract gives him a secure base as he continues his development in Montreal, and there’s no indication he views it as something he’ll come to resent.
On the ice, he’s already given the Canadiens plenty to like. Demidov put up 62 points, including 19 goals, in his rookie season. And at 20 years old, he still looks like a player who’s nowhere near his ceiling.
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