Canadiens star played with fractured ankle before being shut down

Ivan Demidov's agent, Dan Milstein, revealed on DFO Insider that the Montreal Canadiens rookie forward suffered a fractured ankle during the preseason.

Demidov, 20, played the first two games of the regular season on that fractured ankle before the team shut him down.

The Canadiens had classified the injury as a lower-body issue since early October.

Milstein went on the show hosted by Jeff Marek and David Pagnotta to give the first detailed update on Demidov's condition.

"Unfortunately, he had a fractured ankle in the preseason," Milstein said.

"It was bothering him but he continued playing for the two games."

Demidov recorded one goal and one assist in those two appearances before the pain became too much.

Milstein said Demidov first told him the ankle was bothering him after the season opener.

The agent then brought the issue to the Canadiens, who ordered an MRI.

"We did an MRI… so, we realized two weeks later that he had an issue that needed medical attention," Milstein said.

The timeline explains why the Canadiens initially expected Demidov to miss two to four weeks.

He is now in the fourth week of that recovery window and still wears a walking boot.

Demidov has not returned to full practice, though he has been seen skating alone away from the team.

The Canadiens have not issued an updated timeline for his return.

Less than a week before Milstein's interview, Eric Engels reported that the team said Demidov was still "on his timeline."

That phrasing suggests the organization may have had a different internal recovery schedule from what was shared publicly.

Milstein offered a clearer sense of what fans can expect.

"Ivan Demidov is getting ready," Milstein said.

"Probably a few more weeks or so, we'll see him back in the lineup."

He added: "So, hopefully, Ivan will be back on the ice in a very short while and help the Montreal Canadiens start winning some games."

RDS reporter Patrick Friolet provided a step-by-step breakdown of Demidov's recovery plan.

"The plan is for him to skate solo this week, respecting each step of his recovery," Friolet tweeted.

"If all goes well, he could train with the team next week."

That timeline suggests a return is at least two weeks away, and possibly longer.

The revelation that Demidov played through a fractured ankle raises questions about the team's communication.

The Canadiens never publicly mentioned a fracture.

Demidov's agent was the one to disclose the severity of the injury, not the organization.

Demidov was selected fifth overall by Montreal in the 2024 NHL Draft.

He is considered a cornerstone piece of the Canadiens' rebuild.

His absence has been felt as Montreal tries to stay competitive early in the season.

The Canadiens entered the season with high hopes for their young core.

Demidov's quick start — a goal and an assist in two games — showed why the franchise invested in him.

Playing on a fractured ankle carries significant risk.

A fracture is a break in the bone, not a sprain or strain.

Continuing to play can worsen the injury, delay healing, or cause long-term damage.

Standard medical protocol for a fractured ankle typically involves several weeks of immobilization and rest.

Returning too soon increases the risk of re-injury or chronic issues.

The Canadiens' decision to shut Demidov down after the MRI aligns with that caution.

Montreal has not indicated whether the fracture required surgery or is being treated conservatively.

Milstein's interview gave fans the first concrete information about what happened.

Before that, speculation ranged from a minor sprain to a more serious structural issue.

The agent's disclosure confirmed the latter.

Demidov's willingness to play through the injury speaks to his competitiveness.

Rookies often feel pressure to prove themselves and stay in the lineup.

Playing through pain is common in hockey, but a fractured ankle is another level.