Juraj Slafkovsky Shines at the Olympic Games
Juraj Slafkovsky has made headlines once again, showcasing his talent on an international platform at the current Olympic Games. Four years ago, he became known worldwide for his incredible performance at the Beijing Olympics, where he led the Slovakian men’s hockey team to capture their first-ever medal in this sport—a bronze—with an impressive tally of seven goals over seven games, earning him the MVP title of the tournament. This success didn’t go unnoticed; it prompted the Montreal Canadiens to select him with the first overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft.
Rising to the Challenge
As the countdown began for this year’s Olympic Games, there were whispers that the competition would be much tougher, particularly with the inclusion of NHL players. Yet, Slafkovsky has risen to the challenge, continuing to demonstrate his exceptional skill and dominance on the ice. Elliotte Friedman aptly commented on this during a recent episode of the 32 Thoughts podcast, saying,
“If you’re a Montreal Canadiens fan, your excitement must be palpable watching Slafkovsky excel at the Olympics.”
A Bright Future for the Canadiens
The Canadiens’ future has long been painted as bright, and Slafkovsky’s current ascent is becoming one of the most notable storylines in Montreal’s hockey narrative. While some may have overlooked his significance earlier, his performance in the Olympics has caught widespread attention. Notably, former NHL player and Slovak icon Marian Gaborik, who once held the title of the highest-drafted Slovak before Slafkovsky’s selection, has been following his progress closely. Gaborik, who boasts an NHL career that includes over 800 points and a Stanley Cup victory in 2014 with the Los Angeles Kings, commended Slafkovsky’s development in an interview with NHL.com journalist Jean-Francois Chaumont. He remarked,
“Juraj is showing tremendous maturity on the ice. This year, he’s playing a much more complete game compared to his previous seasons in Montreal. He’s not just about scoring; he’s contributing defensively and maintaining composure under pressure. His way of handling the game is impressive.”
Looking Ahead
Gaborik, who is currently commenting on Slovakia’s games during the Olympic broadcast, also expressed that Slafkovsky’s potential knows no bounds. As he continues to evolve, Slafkovsky is lighting up the NHL as well, projected for a stellar season with 45 points from 57 games, looking set for his first 30-goal season. Following the 2022 draft, Canadiens executives Jeff Gorton and Kent Hughes must be particularly satisfied not only with Slafkovsky’s selection but also with securing him on an eight-year contract at a very reasonable $7.6 million cap hit. As the salary cap climbs in the coming years, this deal could turn out to be a significant bargain for the organization. Stay tuned for further developments by following The Hockey News for all updates and insights regarding the Montreal Canadiens.
