Slovakia’s Olympic Journey
At the 2022 Winter Olympics, Slovakia achieved a commendable bronze medal despite the absence of NHL players. Now, the team is preparing for a more competitive showcase in Milan. This time, the Slovak roster has been bolstered by seven players from the NHL, including notable names such as Dalibor Dvorsky of the St. Louis Blues and Erik Cernak from the Tampa Bay Lightning. Other NHL talent includes:
- Martin Pospisil (Calgary Flames)
- Pavol Regenda (San Jose Sharks)
- Martin Fehervary (Washington Capitals)
- Simon Nemec (New Jersey Devils)
- Juraj Slafkovsky (Montreal Canadiens)
Tomas Tatar: The Flag Bearer
However, during the opening ceremony, it was not one of these NHL stars who carried the Slovak flag, but rather Tomas Tatar, a seasoned player with a notable history in the NHL, including three seasons with the Canadiens. Tatar began his career in the NHL after being drafted in the second round of the 2009 draft by the Detroit Red Wings. He spent time with the Red Wings before a trade to the Vegas Golden Knights during the 2018 season.
Challenges in Vegas
Unfortunately, his time in Vegas was tumultuous, as he struggled to connect with his teammates and found himself sidelined during the Golden Knights’ deep playoff run. He was part of a trade deal that brought Max Pacioretty to Vegas, transitioning to the Canadiens along with Nick Suzuki and a second-round pick.
Success in Montreal
Initially perceived as a secondary piece in the trade, Tatar quickly proved his worth and emerged as a key player for Montreal, forming a formidable line with Phillip Danault and Brendan Gallagher. Notably, he scored the game-winning goal against his former team in a November 2018 matchup, earning popularity among the Canadiens fanbase partly due to the enthusiasm of a fan captured on camera.
During his tenure in Montreal, he had impressive scoring seasons, amassing 58, 61, and an impressive 30 points in a shortened season. However, his contributions dwindled during the Canadiens’ run to the Stanley Cup Final, as he participated in only five playoff games.
Post-NHL Career
After his contract expired, he explored opportunities elsewhere, playing for the New Jersey Devils, the Colorado Avalanche, and the Seattle Kraken before retiring from the NHL at the conclusion of the 2024-25 season. Currently, he competes in the Swiss A league, where he has tallied 30 points in 36 games for Zug EV.
Legacy and Olympic Appearance
At 35, Tatar is making his second Olympic appearance—likely his last—having recorded 496 points across 927 NHL games, making him a deserving choice for Slovakia’s flag bearer at these Games.
Credit: Tomas Tatar Instagram
