Montreal Canadiens forward Juraj Slafkovsky has received a significant league-wide accolade, being named the NHL's Third Star for the holiday-shortened week ending December 29, 2025. The recognition comes on the heels of a dominant two-game stretch where the young Slovakian star was nearly unstoppable.
A Short Week with Major Impact
In just two contests, Slafkovsky compiled an impressive three goals and two assists for a total of five points. His most dramatic contribution came with mere seconds remaining in Sunday's game against the Tampa Bay Lightning. With the Canadiens trailing, Slafkovsky scored the game-tying goal with only four seconds left on the clock in regulation, forcing overtime and securing a critical point for Montreal.
Slafkovsky's Breakout Season Continues
This honour underscores a remarkable surge in performance for the 21-year-old winger. The first-overall pick from the 2022 NHL Draft has emphatically silenced any doubts about his development, finding a dominant rhythm in his third season.
He is currently riding a four-game point streak and has been particularly prolific in December. Fifteen of his 28 total points this season have been recorded in just 14 December games. His offensive explosion has coincided with team success; the Canadiens have secured points in their last five outings, posting a 3-0-2 record over that span.
Much of his success is attributed to his chemistry on a line with Ivan Demidov and Oliver Kapanen. Utilizing his 6-foot-3, 225-pound frame, Slafkovsky is becoming a consistent force. With 13 goals through 38 games, he is on a clear trajectory to surpass the 20-goal mark he set last season.
League Recognition and Olympic Future
The NHL's First Star of the week was awarded to Tampa Bay's Nikita Kucherov (six points in three games), while Seattle Kraken forward Eeli Tolvanen claimed the Second Star, also for a six-point week.
Looking ahead, Slafkovsky's schedule remains busy. He is slated to represent his home country, Slovakia, at the upcoming Winter Olympics in Italy, where he will look to carry his red-hot NHL form onto the international stage.
For the Montreal Canadiens and their fans, Slafkovsky's recognition as the NHL's Third Star is a promising sign of the franchise cornerstone's continuing ascent and a key reason for the team's recent positive results.
