Ivan Demidov is out 2 to 4 weeks, and Martin St-Louis now has a clearer picture of exactly what put the Canadiens winger on the shelf.
Montreal already knew Demidov was dealing with a lower-body injury. The new detail is the mechanism: he took a shot directly off the foot while blocking it during preseason action.
That changes the context around his absence. This wasn't a skating issue or something that gradually surfaced through camp. One defensive play left Montreal without one of its most dynamic young forwards.
Demidov was struck while blocking the shot on September 21, then played through the injury. His foot became the focus after the initial impact.
The medical read points more toward a deep bone contusion than a metatarsal fracture. The 2-to-4-week timeline also fits better with the less severe possibility.
"Demidov (MTL) out 2-4 weeks (lower body). Goes back to a preseason shot block off the foot - played through it, therapy days since. A 2-4 week timeline argues against a metatarsal fracture (~6+ weeks); deep bone contusion the likelier read. #NHL #GoHabsGo"
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For St-Louis, the immediate problem remains the same. Demidov won't be available while Montreal sets its early-season combinations and sorts out roles inside the top six.
Demidov played through the foot injury
The most striking part is that Demidov didn't immediately come out of the lineup. He continued playing after taking the shot off his foot and even dressed again while dealing with the issue.
That detail explains why the injury may have looked less serious at first. Demidov was still able to skate and compete, even with treatment becoming part of his daily routine.
Montreal now has a more defined reason for being careful with him. Foot injuries can affect acceleration, edge work and the ability to push through contact, all major parts of Demidov's game.
The Canadiens also don't need to force the timeline. A 2-to-4-week absence is frustrating, but it gives the club a clear window to reshuffle the forward group without treating this like a long-term setback.
Demidov's absence creates an early opportunity elsewhere in the lineup. St-Louis will have to redistribute offensive minutes and decide which winger gets the first look in the spot Demidov was expected to occupy.
The key update is no longer simply that Demidov is unavailable. Montreal now knows the injury came from a blocked shot to the foot, he played through it, and recovery will determine when he gets back into the lineup.
Should the Canadiens be more cautious with Ivan Demidov after he played through the injury?
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