The narrative surrounding Juraj Slafkovsky in Montreal has undergone a dramatic and positive shift. Any lingering doubts about the Canadiens' decision to select the Slovakian winger first overall in the 2022 NHL Draft are being emphatically silenced by his recent dominant play.
A Spark Ignited by Change
The turning point came on November 17, when head coach Martin St. Louis made a strategic move, taking Slafkovsky off the star-studded top line with Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield. Paired instead with rookie centre Oliver Kapanen and fellow young talent Ivan Demidov, the 21-year-old has not just adapted; he has exploded.
Since that lineup change, Slafkovsky has been the Canadiens' most productive player, compiling a team-high 23 points. His overall season statistics through 42 games—15 goals and 32 points—are solid, but it's the transformation in his game that tells the real story. He has become a physical, driving force and a leader on his new unit.
Embracing a New Role and Responsibility
"I feel like I've had more opportunity doing it with (Kapanen and Demidov)," Slafkovsky explained after a practice at the CN Sports Complex in Brossard. "It's a different role. It depends what line you play on and who you play with. I feel like that has helped me. I can be a different player in a different role."
This new role involves being the primary catalyst. "I wanted to be the guy on the line that would push the guys," he stated. "Do everything to make the line successful." This contrasts with his time on the top line, where he focused on using his 6-foot-3, 225-pound frame to create space for Suzuki and Caufield. Now, he's carrying the puck, making plays, and leading by example, evidenced by a spectacular end-to-end goal against the Carolina Hurricanes.
His defensive game has seen a remarkable improvement as well, highlighted by a plus-7 rating since the change—a stark contrast to the minus-32 he posted over his first two NHL seasons.
Confidence and Chemistry Paying Dividends
Slafkovsky's confidence is palpable. He expressed trust in the organization's development plan and his own work ethic, noting that the results he envisioned are now materializing. "Things are going good," he said. "I have good chemistry with my line. I just feel good all around."
His surge is a key reason the Canadiens remain in the thick of the race for first place in the Atlantic Division. While he acknowledges he is still developing, Slafkovsky has clearly taken a massive step forward, proving he can be a cornerstone player for Montreal's future.
Team Notes from Practice
In other team news, defenceman Kaiden Guhle practiced in a full-contact jersey for the first time since suffering a torn adductor muscle on October 16 that required surgery. He is unlikely to play in the upcoming game against the Calgary Flames but his return is nearing.
With head coach Martin St. Louis absent as GM Kent Hughes held his mid-season media availability, the starting goaltender for Wednesday's game was not announced. The Canadiens are currently carrying three netminders—Samuel Montembeault, Jakub Dobes, and Cayden Primeau. Montembeault commented on the unusual situation, noting that the condensed schedule, which includes a three-week break for the Winter Olympics in February, makes the rotation manageable. "It's not a competition," Montembeault said. "We're all trying to help each other."
