MONTREAL — The Montreal Canadiens will be without winger Ivan Demidov for two to four weeks with a lower-body injury, the team announced Tuesday. Demidov did not participate in Tuesday's morning skate, and the timeline will sideline one of Montreal's top-six forwards for the foreseeable future.
Demidov was also absent from Monday's practice due to a "therapy day," per the team. He has played both games for Montreal this season and has recorded two points. The forward previously missed a pair of preseason practices after blocking a shot with his foot.
Demidov, 20, is coming off a strong rookie season in which he finished second in Calder Trophy voting and earned an All-Rookie Team nod. He recorded 62 points on 19 goals and 43 assists while appearing in all 82 regular-season games, and added nine points on three goals and six assists in 19 playoff games.
Montreal returns to action Tuesday in an Eastern Conference Final rematch against the Hurricanes. The absence leaves the Canadiens to adjust their top six as Demidov begins his recovery window.