Not satisfied with their current options for the future of the backup goalkeeping position, the Canadiens are reaching out to the KHL for possible depth.
Telegram channel Igor Zhukov Live is reporting that representatives from the Habs will be in Magnitogorsk, Russia sometime late this week to take a good look and perhaps interview 25-year-old Vasili Demchenko. The 6'1", 165 lb. keeper was traded to Metallurg Magnitogorsk in December of 2019 after spending his entire career in the Traktor Chelyabinsk organization. In his KHL career he is 84-91-24 with .925 SV% and 2.38 GAA. Demchenko will be a restricted free agent at the end of the KHL season, April 30th. His team currently sits in 7th in the East Conference, still trying to secure a playoff position before the end of the regular season in February.
Starting goalie Carey Price is signed through the 2025-26 season, with a $10.5 million cap hit. While his place is secure, the combination of Charlie Lindgren, Cayden Primeau, Keith Kinkaid, and Michael McNiven is causing the organization to pursue other possibilities for the future.
