Juraj Slafkovský

Slafkovský first left home at the age of 14 to train at Red Bull's ice hockey academy, located in Austria. Thereafter, he spent time in the Czech Republic competing against older teenagers, before joining HC TPS in search of a higher class of competition. Slafkovský played three seasons with TPS U20 of the Finnish junior league, before making his debut in the Liiga for the 2021–22 season. His debut in the senior men's ranks was initially inauspicious, recording only one goal in his first 20 games. After returning from his breakout performance at the 2022 Winter Olympics, Slafkovský's play improved noticeably, and he finished the regular season with five goals and five assists. He went on to record two goals and five assists in 18 playoff games.{{cite web |title=No. 1 NHL Draft pick Juraj Slafkovsky always welcomes high expectations |url=https://theathletic.com/3388034/2022/06/30/juraj-slafkovsky-nhl-draft/ |last=Powers |first=Scott |date=30 June 2022 |website=The Athletic |access-date=8 July 2022}} TPS advanced to face Tappara for the Kanada-malja, with the latter winning the championship series in five games.{{cite web |title=Built to play hockey |url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/longform/inside-juraj-slafkovskys-dark-horse-run-up-the-nhl-draft-board/ |last=Dixon |first=Ryan |date=29 June 2022 |website=Sportsnet |access-date=5 July 2022}}

Slafkovský was eligible for the 2022 NHL entry draft and, by mid-season assessment, was being considered as a potential top-five selection based on the strength of his international performances. Shane Wright of the Ontario Hockey League's (OHL) Kingston Frontenacs, cited as the presumptive first overall pick at the beginning of the season, was judged by many as having "left the door open for someone to unseat him" after a subpar start.{{cite web |title=Bob McKenzie's Mid-Season Draft Rankings |url=https://www.tsn.ca/2022-nhl-draft-shane-wright-bob-mckenzie-1.1748254 |date=20 January 2022 |website=TSN |access-date=5 July 2022}} As the draft approached, Slafkovský had emerged as Wright's primary challenger, and topped a number of rankings by scouts and commentators alike.{{cite web |title=2022 NHL Draft prospects: Juraj Slafkovsky leads Corey Pronman's final ranking |url=https://theathletic.com/3393872/2022/07/05/nhl-draft-prospect-rankings-2022/ |last=Pronman |first=Corey |date=5 July 2022 |website=The Athletic |access-date=5 July 2022}}{{cite web |title=NHL Draft 2022 top 100 prospects: Scott Wheeler's final rankings |url=https://theathletic.com/3306659/2022/06/06/nhl-draft-top-100-prospects-ranking/ |last=Wheeler |first=Scott |date=6 June 2022 |website=The Athletic |access-date=5 July 2022}}{{cite web |title=Bob McKenzie's Final 2022 Draft Ranking |url=https://www.tsn.ca/2022-nhl-draft-rankings-bob-mckenzie-1.1818580 |date=28 June 2022 |website=TSN |access-date=5 July 2022}} After the Montreal Canadiens secured the first overall pick via the annual draft lottery, team general manager Kent Hughes confirmed that the Canadiens' choice was between Slafkovský, Wright and Logan Cooley of the USA Hockey National Team Development Program.{{cite web |title=Canadiens 2022 NHL Draft Preview: Foundation for Hughes' plan can be set this week |url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/canadiens-2022-nhl-draft-preview-foundation-for-hughes-plan-can-be-set-this-week/ |last=Engels |first=Eric |date=5 July 2022 |website=Sportsnet |access-date=5 July 2022}}

On 7 July 2022, the Canadiens used the first overall pick to select Slafkovský, making him the highest-drafted Slovak player in the history of the NHL, surpassing Marián Gáborík, who had been taken third overall in 2000. With defenceman and fellow countryman Šimon Nemec selected second overall by the New Jersey Devils, this was only the second time in the history of the NHL draft that a single European country had the top two selections in a single year (following Russia in 2004). The Canadiens also selected Filip Mešár, another Slovak player and longtime friend of Slafkovský's, later in the first round.{{cite web |title=Slovak Surprise: Slafkovsky And Nemec Make History As Top Two Picks In 2022 NHL Draft |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/carolschram/2022/07/08/slovak-surprise-slafkovsky-and-nemec-make-history-as-top-two-picks-in-2022-nhl-draft/?sh=143116075a68 |last=Schram |first=Carol |date=8 July 2022 |website=Forbes |access-date=8 July 2022}} Shortly after the draft, Slafkovský signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Canadiens.{{cite web |title=Canadiens sign first overall pick Juraj Slafkovsky to 3-year entry-level contract|url=https://montrealgazette.com/sports/hockey/nhl/hockey-inside-out/canadiens-sign-first-overall-pick-juraj-slafkovsky-to-3-year-entry-level-contract |date=13 July 2022 |newspaper=Montreal Gazette |access-date=13 July 2022}}

With his preferred number 20 jersey already in use by veteran defenceman Chris Wideman upon arrival in Montreal, the foregoing agreed to cede the number to Slafkovský in exchange for an autographed jersey as a keepsake for his newborn son.{{cite web |title=Canadiens' Wideman goes extra mile for top pick Slafkovsky |url=https://montrealgazette.com/sports/hockey/nhl/hockey-inside-out/stu-cowan-canadiens-wideman-goes-extra-mile-for-top-pick-slafkovsky |last=Cowan |first=Stu |date=27 July 2022 |newspaper=Montreal Gazette |access-date=28 July 2022}} His performance in the preseason was a subject of considerable media interest, with Sportsnet saying he "at times appeared out of his element," whereas team general manager Kent Hughes stated, "we've seen the start of a process of adjusting from hockey in Europe to hockey in North America". While Slafkovský would be allowed to develop with the Canadiens, there existed a possibility of him spending time with the Canadiens' American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Laval Rocket.{{cite web|title=Canadiens begin season focused on taking meaningful steps in developing young roster|url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/with-no-real-expectations-young-canadiens-look-to-take-meaningful-steps-in-development/ |last=Engels |first=Eric |website=Sportsnet|access-date=13 October 2022|date=12 October 2022}} On 10 October 2022, it was confirmed that he had made the Canadiens' opening night roster for the 2022–23 season.{{cite web|title=Slafkovsky, Guhle, Xhekaj make Canadiens roster to open season|url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/slafkovsky-guhle-xhekaj-make-canadiens-roster-to-open-season/|website=Sportsnet|access-date=11 October 2022|date=10 October 2022}} He appeared in his first NHL game on 12 October, a 4–3 victory over their traditional archrival, the Toronto Maple Leafs.{{cite web|title=Guhle leads Canadiens' young players in season-opening win over Maple Leafs|url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/guhle-leads-canadiens-young-players-in-season-opening-win-over-maple-leafs/|last=Engels|first=Eric|website=Sportsnet|access-date=13 October 2022|date=13 October 2022}} In his fifth game with the team on 20 October, Slafkovský scored his first goal in the NHL during a 6–2 rout of the Arizona Coyotes.{{cite web |title=Juraj Slafkovsky scores his first NHL goal as Canadiens rout lowly Coyotes 6-2 |url=https://montrealgazette.com/sports/hockey/nhl/hockey-inside-out/juraj-slafkovsky-scores-his-first-nhl-goal-as-canadiens-rout-lowly-coyotes-6-2 |last=Hickey |first=Pat |date=20 October 2022 |newspaper=Montreal Gazette |access-date=20 October 2022}} After missing three games with an unspecified upper body injury, Slafkovský returned to the lineup on 29 October and was placed on the power play for the first time, where he scored his first power play marker (and second NHL goal) that same night against the St. Louis Blues.{{cite web |title='I thought it was Slaf's best game,' Martin St. Louis says |url=https://montrealgazette.com/sports/hockey/nhl/hockey-inside-out/in-the-habs-room-i-thought-it-was-slafs-best-game-martin-st-louis-says |last=Cowan |first=Stu |date=30 October 2022 |newspaper=Montreal Gazette |access-date=30 October 2022}} In a game against the Detroit Red Wings on 8 November, he was called for boarding Red Wings forward Matt Luff, for which he was given a two-game suspension by league officials.{{cite web |title=Canadiens rookie Slafkovsky barred 2 games for boarding recent Red Wings call-up |url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/nhl/juraj-slafkovsky-nhl-suspension-canadiens-matt-luff-1.6646429 |date=9 November 2022 |website=CBC Sports |access-date=10 November 2022}} After sustaining a knee injury in a 15 January 2023 game against the New York Rangers, the Canadiens announced that Slafkovský would be out for a period of three months, bringing his season to a premature end. He finished his rookie campaign with four goals and ten points in 39 games.{{cite web |title=Canadiens' Juraj Slafkovský out 3 months with lower-body injury: How this affects his growth |url=https://theathletic.com/4103984/2023/01/18/slafkovsky-nhl-canadiens-out-injury/ |date=18 January 2023|last=Basu|first=Arpon |website=The Athletic |access-date=19 January 2023}}

Paired with Kirby Dach for the majority of the 2023 preseason, Slafkovský enjoyed success alongside the centreman.{{cite web |title=Canadiens Using Dach On Slafkovsky Line For Important Reasons |url=https://montrealhockeynow.com/2023/10/02/montreal-canadiens-using-dach-slafkovsky-line-for-important-reasons-kirby-juraj-rhp-st-louis-hughes-habs-prospects/ |last=Dumont |first=Marc |date=2 October 2023 |website=Montreal Hockey Now |access-date=2 July 2024}}{{cite web |title=Montreal Canadiens Preseason Statistics: Slafkovsky Flourished |url=https://montrealhockeynow.com/2023/10/09/montreal-canadiens-preseason-statistics-slafkovsky-flourished-habs-stats-pezzetta-mailloux-caufield-suzuki/ |last=Dumont |first=Marc |date=9 October 2023 |website=Montreal Hockey Now |access-date=2 July 2024}} The duo were joined by newcomer Alex Newhook to begin the 2023–24 season, but a serious injury sustained by Dach in just the team's second game brought an abrupt end to the line combination.{{cite web |url=https://montrealgazette.com/sports/hockey/nhl/hockey-inside-out/about-last-night-dach-line-shines-in-inconsistent-opener |title=Kirby Dach's line shines in inconsistent opener for Habs |last=Leijon |first=Erik |newspaper=Montreal Gazette |date=12 October 2023 |access-date=2 July 2024}}{{cite web|title=Kirby Dach's long-term absence leaves giant hole in middle of Canadiens' lineup|url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/kirby-dachs-long-term-absence-leaves-giant-hole-in-middle-of-canadiens-lineup/|last=Engels|first=Eric|website=Sportsnet|access-date=2 July 2024|date=16 October 2023}} Replaced with Josh Anderson, the new trio struggled noticeably over the ensuing month, with discussion brewing as to whether Slafkovský should be sent to the AHL in light of his lack of production.{{cite web|title=St. Louis emphasizing 'balance' to get Canadiens' second line to break through|url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/st-louis-emphasizing-balance-to-get-canadiens-second-line-to-break-through/|last=Engels|first=Eric|website=Sportsnet|date=1 November 2023|access-date=2 July 2024}}{{cite web|title=Canadiens' Solutions to Fix Abysmal Second-Line Production|url=https://thehockeywriters.com/canadiens-solutions-second-line-production-2023-24/|last=Couch|first=Rob|website=TheHockeyWriters.com|date=5 November 2023|access-date=2 July 2024}} Instead, head coach Martin St. Louis opted to promote him to the Canadiens' first line in December alongside Cole Caufield and captain Nick Suzuki. Slafkovský enjoyed substantially increased production over the remainder of the season, setting a franchise record with an eight-game point streak as a teenager in February,{{cite web|title=Slafkovsky's drive to be difference maker for Canadiens on display vs. Capitals|url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/slafkovskys-drive-to-be-difference-maker-for-canadiens-on-display-vs-capitals/|last=Engels|first=Eric|website=Sportsnet|date=17 February 2024|access-date=2 July 2024}} following up with a separate nine-game streak in March{{cite web |title=Slafkovsky, Suzuki Hit Milestones In Canadiens Win Vs Flyers |url=https://montrealhockeynow.com/2024/03/28/montreal-canadiens-slafkovsky-suzuki-hit-milestones-in-win-against-flyers/ |last=Bernard |first=Franck |date=28 March 2024 |website=Montreal Hockey Now |access-date=2 July 2024}} to establish yet another franchise record for most points in a season by a teenager, surpassing Henri Richard.{{cite web|title=Juraj Slafkovský's teenage Canadiens record only scratches surface of his accomplishments|url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5373780/2024/03/27/juraj-slafkovsky-canadiens-record-teenage/|last=Basu|first=Arpon|work=The Athletic|date=27 March 2024|access-date=18 December 2024}} On 10 April 2024, he scored his first career NHL hat-trick against the Philadelphia Flyers in a 9–3 victory for the Canadiens.{{cite web| title=Juraj Slafkovsky nets hat trick, Canadiens hand Flyers eighth straight loss in 9-3 blowout | url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/recap/_/gameId/401560467 | website = ESPN | date = 10 April 2024 | access-date = 10 April 2024 | agency=Associated Press}} Slafkovský finished the season with 20 goals and 50 points, and said it was "good because I didn’t start great, but I know that I can still improve."{{cite web|title='It's a Big Change': Juraj Slafkovsky Broke Out for Canadiens This Season|url=https://thehockeynews.com/news/juraj-slafkovsky-broke-out-for-canadiens-this-season|last=DeRosa|first=Michael|magazine=The Hockey News|date=17 April 2024|access-date=2 July 2024}}

In advance of the 2024–25 season, the final year of his entry-level contract, Slafkovský agreed to an eight-year, $60.8 million extension with the Canadiens on 1 July 2024.{{cite web |title=Slafkovsky signs 8-year, $60.8 million contract with Canadiens |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/juraj-slafkovsky-signs-8-year-contract-with-montreal-canadiens |website=NHL.com |date=2 July 2024 |access-date=2 July 2024 }} After his strong finish to the previous season, there were raised expectations for his performance,{{cite web|title=Canadiens: What to Expect From Juraj Slafkovsky|url=https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/montreal-canadiens/latest-news/canadiens-what-to-expect-from-juraj-slafkovsky|last=Hains|first=Karine|magazine=The Hockey News|date=September 8, 2024|access-date=April 26, 2025 }} but the 2024–25 season proved to be challenging. He was for a stretch of games taken off the Canadiens' top line, but eventually returned to playing with Suzuki and Caufield.{{cite web |url=https://thehockeywriters.com/canadiens-slafkovsky-stay-course-find-scoring-touch/|title=Canadiens’ Slafkovsky Must Stay the Course to Find Scoring Touch|last=Chaput|first=Edgar|website= The Hockey Writers |date=January 8, 2025 |access-date= April 26, 2025}}{{cite web |url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/canadiens-slafkovsky-intent-on-taking-big-step-st-louis-is-guiding-him-towards/|title=Canadiens' Slafkovsky intent on taking big step St. Louis is guiding him towards|last=Engels|first=Eric|website= Sportsnet |date=February 24, 2025 |access-date= April 26, 2025}} With a two-point effort on 17 December versus the Buffalo Sabres, he assumed fourth place all-time for most points in Canadiens franchise history before the age of 21.{{Cite tweet|author=RDS|user=RDSca|number=1869429730275140022|date=December 18, 2024|title=Avec deux points mardi, Juraj Slafkovsky a pris le quatrième rang dans la riche histoire des Canadiens pour le plus de points avant l'âge de 21 ans 🔥|trans-title=With two points on Tuesday, Juraj Slafkovsky took fourth place in the rich history of the Canadiens for the most points before the age of 21 🔥|language=fr}} The Canadiens would qualify for the 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs for the first time in Slafkovský's tenure, playing the Washington Capitals in the first round. He scored his first NHL playoff goal on 25 April.{{cite web |url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/canadiens-montembeault-exits-game-3-vs-capitals-replaced-by-dobes/|title=Capitals goalie Thompson and Canadiens counterpart Montembeault each leave Game 3 with injuries|website= Sportsnet |date=April 25, 2025 |access-date= April 26, 2025}}

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{{MedalSport|Men's ice hockey}}

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{{MedalBronze|2022 Beijing|}}

{{MedalCompetition|Hlinka Gretzky Cup}}

{{MedalSilver|2021 Czech Republic/Slovakia|}}

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Slafkovský debuted as part of the Slovakian national team on both the under-20 and senior rosters, appearing at the 2021 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships and the 2021 IIHF World Championship respectively.{{Cite web|url=https://www.hockeyslovakia.sk/sk/article/ms-2021-do-zaverecnej-nominacie-sa-neprebojovali-koch-regenda-a-hrehorcak|title=MS 2021: SR do Rigy s historicky najmladším tímom, nedostali sa doň Koch, Regenda a Hrehorčák|language=Slovak|work=Hockey Slovakia|date=15 May 2021|trans-title=2021 World Cup: Slovakia to Riga with the youngest team in history, Koch, Regenda and Hrehorčák did not make it}} He then joined the under-18 team at the 2021 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, winning a silver medal.{{cite web |title=Juraj Slafkovsky Selected No. 1 Overall by Canadiens in 2022 NHL Draft |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10037677-juraj-slafkovsky-selected-no-1-overall-by-canadiens-in-2022-nhl-draft |last=Walsh |first=Erin |date=7 July 2022 |website=Bleacher Report |access-date=8 July 2022}}

Slafkovský was the youngest player in the 2022 Winter Olympics tournament, as well as one of two teenagers included on Slovakia's roster, alongside Šimon Nemec. He scored both of Slovakia's goals in the opening game against Finland, a 6–2 loss, becoming the first 17-year-old to score at the men's Olympic ice hockey ranks since Eddie Olczyk in 1984.{{Cite web|title=Juraj Slafkovsky, 17, impresses in Olympic debut despite Slovakia's loss to Finland|url=https://www.nbcolympics.com/news/juraj-slafkovsky-17-impresses-olympic-debut-despite-slovakias-loss-finland|date=10 February 2022|access-date=11 February 2022|website=NBC Olympics|last=Quigley|first=Ryan}}{{cite tweet |author=IIHF |author-link=IIHF |user=IIHFHockey |number=1491706131089133570 |date=10 February 2022 |title=Juraj Slafkovsky just set the bar really high. #Beijing2022 @HockeySlovakia https://t.co/JIMFD6pPGT |access-date=14 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220211010150/https://twitter.com/iihfhockey/status/1491706131089133570 |archive-date=11 February 2022 |url-status=live}} Slafkovský finished as top scorer with seven goals in seven games, leading Slovakia to a bronze medal, their first-ever Olympic medal in ice hockey.{{Cite web|title=Slovakia wins first ever Olympic medal|url=https://www.iihf.com/en/events/2022/olympic-m/news/32222/slovakia_wins_first_ever_olympic_medal|access-date=19 February 2022|website=IIHF|last=Podnieks|first=Andrew|date=19 February 2022}} For his efforts, he was voted most valuable player of the tournament.{{Cite web|title=Slafkovsky voted MVP|url=https://www.iihf.com/en/events/2022/olympic-m/news/32248/slafkovsky_voted_mvp|access-date=20 February 2022|last=Potts|first=Andy|website=IIHF|date=20 February 2022}} He was later named to the 2022 IIHF World Championship, recording three goals and six assists in nine games. His exceptional play at the World Championship was later credited as further enhancing his profile ahead of the NHL draft.{{cite web |title=Juraj Slafkovsky's unique skill set could make him a potential first pick for the Canadiens|url=https://theathletic.com/3340009/2022/05/30/juraj-slafkovskys-unique-skill-set-could-make-him-a-potential-first-pick-for-the-canadiens/ |last=Godin |first=Marc-Antoine |date=30 May 2022 |website=The Athletic |access-date=8 July 2022}} In recognition of his collective international performances in 2022, the Slovak Ice Hockey Federation named Slafkovský as the youngest ever recipient of its Player of the Year award. He was likewise named Best Forward and Best U20 Player.{{cite web |title=Slafkovsky named Hockey Slovakia Player of the Year|url=https://nhlentrydraft.com/news/slafkovsky-hockey-slovakia-player-of-the-year/ |last=Vickers |first=Aaron |date=11 August 2022 |website=FCHockey |access-date=12 August 2022}}

Following the 2023–24 NHL season, with the Canadiens failing to qualify for the 2024 Stanley Cup playoffs, Slafkovský joined Slovakia at the 2024 IIHF World Championship.{{cite web |title=Cole Caufield, Juraj Slafkovsky headed to Worlds |url=https://www.nhl.com/canadiens/news/cole-caufield-juraj-slafkovsky-headed-to-worlds|publisher=Montreal Canadiens |via=NHL.com |access-date=8 May 2024 |date=17 April 2024}}

He is a second cousin of former competitive slalom canoeist Alexander Slafkovský.{{cite web |title=Ľudia nás vidia nastajlovaných, bolesť zostáva skrytá. Jurajovi držím palce |url=https://sportweb.pravda.sk/ostatne-sporty/clanok/635682-ludia-nas-vidia-nastajlovanych-bolest-zostava-skryta/ |website=Športweb.sk|trans-title= People see us styled, the pain remains hidden. I keep my fingers crossed for Juraj|access-date=2 July 2023 |language=sk-SK |date=1 August 2022|last=Gavroň|first=Michal}}

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{{succession box | before = Owen Power | title = NHL first overall draft pick | years = 2022 | after = Connor Bedard}}

{{succession box | before = Logan Mailloux | title = Montreal Canadiens first round draft pick | years = 2022 | after = Filip Mešár}}

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Category:2004 births

Category:Living people

Category:HC TPS players

Category:Ice hockey people from Košice

Category:Ice hockey players at the 2022 Winter Olympics

Category:Medalists at the 2022 Winter Olympics

Category:Montreal Canadiens draft picks

Category:Montreal Canadiens players

Category:First overall NHL draft picks

Category:Olympic bronze medalists for Slovakia

Category:Olympic ice hockey players for Slovakia

Category:Olympic medalists in ice hockey

Category:Slovak expatriate ice hockey players in Austria

Category:Slovak expatriate ice hockey players in Canada

Category:Slovak expatriate ice hockey players in Finland

Category:Slovak expatriate ice hockey players in the Czech Republic

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Category:21st-century Slovak sportsmen