It's Official: Big News on Juraj Slafkovsky Ahead of the 2025-26 NHL Season
After two developmental seasons marked by highs and lows, Juraj Slafkovsky seems ready to take the next step.
The 21-year-old Slovak forward, the first overall pick of the 2022 draft, has shown steady progress since his NHL debut, and all signs point to the 2025-2026 season being his offensive breakout year.
Journalist Brian Wilde is particularly optimistic about what Slafkovsky could achieve this year:
How big of a step will Juraj Slafkovsky take this season?
BWildeMTL: "I think he's kind of thinking more in terms of 65-70 (points), and I think that Slafkovsky is going to get there"
- via The Sick Podcast with Tony Marinaro
BWildeMTL: "I think he's kind of thinking more in terms of 65-70 (points), and I think that Slafkovsky is going to get there"
- via The Sick Podcast with Tony Marinaro
Such production would mark a significant increase over his 50 points from last season, where he already demonstrated strong chemistry with Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield.
If head coach Martin St. Louis keeps that line together, it could become one of the most dynamic in the Eastern Conference.
A More Confident, Physical, and Dangerous Slafkovsky
What's most impressive about Slafkovsky's development isn't just his production, but the growth in his confidence and overall impact on the ice.
More physically dominant and engaged at both ends of the rink, the young winger is becoming a tough player to contain.
His forechecking game has improved, along with his vision and execution in high-danger areas.
With a full season alongside skilled players, power play time, and an increasingly central role in the Canadiens' system, the conditions are in place for him to reach the 65-point mark.
If Juraj Slafkovsky hits that level in 2025-2026, he'll become a foundational piece of the Canadiens' core and fully justify the team's gamble at the 2022 draft.
| POLL | ||
AOUT 8 | 828 ANSWERS It's Official: Big News on Juraj Slafkovsky Ahead of the 2025-26 NHL Season Does Juraj Slafkovsky deserve to be on the first line with the arrival of Demidov? | ||
| Yes | 668 | 80.7 % |
| No | 160 | 19.3 % |
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