Looking back, it’s hard to imagine that the Montreal Canadiens faced so much criticis from from media and fans alike for selecting first overall in the 2022 NHL draft, 6’3″ 225-pound teenage forward Juraj Slafkovsky.
At the time, many believed Montreal made a major mistake when having the draft’s first overall selection at the Bell Centre they bypassed OHL star forward Shane Wright and USA forward Logan Cooley who excelled for the US National Development Team.
Despite the constant criticism and his early struggles, Montreal management deserves lot of credit and now look like geniuses for sticking with the player known as ‘Slaf’ who each season has immensely improved and is coming off a breakthrough campaign which saw him score 30 goals along with 73 points.
Montreal Canadiens Power Forward Juraj Slafkovsky Developing into a True Superstar
Following a season which saw Slafkovsky put his name in the Canadiens record book for scoring the most career points (164) by a player under 22 years-old, this rising star made another major breakthrough when during the Canadiens Eastern Conference first round Game 1 4-3 OT win against the Tampa Bay Lightning, Slafkovsky joined some elusive company when he became only the 13th NHLer to score three power-play goals in a single playoff game.
With this scoring accomplishment, he also became the first Habs player since spring of 1933-34 to notch three power play goals in a game.
A few nights later, back at the sold out Benchmark International Arena in Tampa Bay for what turned out to be a Canadiens Game 2 3-2 loss, Slafkovsky was shutout on the scoresheet but did display another true element of his game by not hesitating to drop the gloves for a second period fight with Lightnings scrappy forward Brendon Hagel. Unfortunately for Montreal fans, this up and coming star, ended up taking the worst of it. Still, in being willing to fight, it shows to grit, physicality and that he is willing when called upon to lead by example and do whatever it takes for his team.
In showing just how Slafkovsky is turning into an elite impact player, it’s important to look at the statistics which show that following an injury plagued rookie season where as a teenager he scored only four goals and 10 points in 39 games, his production steadily improved to 50 and 51 points in his second and third seasons before this year when he surpassed the 70-point plateau.
Playing on the Canadiens number one line with 50 goal scorer Cole Caufield and captain Nick Suzuki, Slafkovsky also showed that his defensive game has come along ways since his rookie season as he finished this past season with a career best plus/minus of +9.
Slafkovsky Shows Ability To Excel On International Stage
Prior to being drafted by Montreal, Slafkovsky already showed that he was a future star when at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, he made a major statement by scoring seven goals and overall playing a big role in helping Slovakia capture the Bronze medal.
At the Olympics, Slafkovsky had a solid tournament with three goals and seven points in playing a major role in helping Slovakia to a fourth place finish.
“He’s evolved to a guy that wants to lead with his actions on the ice, and guys usually will follow that,” Canadiens coach Martin St. Louis said. “I think he’s evolved to that… Looks like he’s picked up from where he left off here, and he’s not looking back. He’s just moving forward, and guys are following him.”
Slafkovksy might not be looked upon as a serious MVP, but one thing is for sure and that’s the fact that this hulking forward is developing into a top 10 forward in the NHL.
Slafkovsky Makes Canadiens Franchise History
Back on Saturday, March 7th, Slafkovsky put his name into the Canadiens record book during a 4-3 win at Crypto. Com Arena during a 4-3 win against the Los Angeles Kings. This night, which saw him register three points, increased his season points total to 52 which means he officially became the first player under the age of 22 to record three 50 or more point campaigns before turning 22 years of age.
A few days later, Slafkovsky wrote another chapter in the franchise record books when on Wednesday, March 11th during a 3-2 win at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, he made more history when his first period goal gave him 164 points which now happens to be the most points scored by a Canadiens player under 22 years of age. With the goal, he moved past Hockey Hall of Famer, Henri Richard.
Slafkovsky didn’t turn 22 years of age until March 30th.
At 22 years of age, Slafkovsky still has a few more years to go until he hits his prime. There is no reason to doubt his ability to be a 50 goal scorer while being a feared power forward among the game’s elites.
Time will tell but one thing is for certain and that’s the fact that no one is doubting the Canadiens move any more of picking this talented Slovak number one back in the 2022 draft.
Main Image: Â Eric Bolte-Imagn Images
