Habs add KHL’S Demchenko in search for backup goalie

The Canadiens’ search for a backup goaltender has extended to the KHL.

General manager Marc Bergevin announced Tuesday that the Canadiens have signed free agent Vasili Demchenko, a 26-year-old goaltender who has put up good numbers on a couple of very bad Kontinental Hockey League teams.

The one-year, two-way deal is a low risk proposition for the Canadiens. Demchenko will earn US$700,000 if he cracks Montreal’s lineup and US$70,000 if he plays in the AHL. He also received a signing bonus of US$92,500.

The Canadiens struck out last summer when they signed Keith Kinkaid to back up Carey Price. It took only six appearances to realize that he wasn’t up to the task and he was sent to Laval early in December. Kinkaid was on a oneyear contract and won’t be back.

Charlie Lindgren was Price’s backup when the NHL season was halted on March 22. Lindgren is signed to a one-way deal, but he played in only six games — posting a 2-4 record, 3.33 goals-against average and .888 save percentage — and the reluctance to use him is a sign that the Canadiens feel they need an upgrade.

Top prospect Cayden Primeau is considered the eventual answer, but there are questions about whether he’s ready to play regularly in the NHL.

The Canadiens also have Michael Mcniven in the organization, but he’s not signed for next season.

Demchenko played 36 games with Chelyabinsk and Magnitogorsk in the KHL in 2019-20, totalling nine wins while posting a 2.77 GAA and a .907 SP.

Since making his KHL debut in 2011-12, the 6-foot-1, 165-pounder has compiled an 81-86-25 record in 212 games with Chelyabinsk (198 games) and Magnitogorsk (14 games).

While his win-loss record isn’t great, his other career numbers are solid. The native of Chelyabinsk, Russia, posted 14 shutouts with a 2.37 GAA and a .925 SP.