Canadiens Juraj Slafkovsky To Undergo Medical Procedures

Montreal Canadiens forward Juraj Slafkovsky enjoyed a great second half of his sophomore season, finishing the year with 20 goals and 30 assists in 82 games.

It was an important step in his development, as it established the young Slovak as a player who has the potential to become a game-breaking presence in the NHL.

He’s not quite at that point yet, but his play certainly erased much of the doubts that arose during his first season in the NHL, where he only managed to score four goals and six assists in 39 games.

He was expected to head to Czechia to take part in the World Championship for Team Slovakia, but his presence in the national team lineup will be delayed.

Tomáš Prokop announced that Slafkovsky is expected to undergo ‘some medical procedures’ in Montreal before he joins his fellow countrymen for the World Championship.

“Juraj Slafkovský is expected to join the Slovak National Team later than anticipated,” said Prokop. “He needs to undergo some medical procedures In Montreal, first.”

This doesn’t come as a surprise, given that Slafkovsky, among others, was nursing minor injuries and knocks throughout the year, like most hockey players, especially those playing for the Montreal Canadiens. It was particularly evident toward the end of the season, as the 20-year-old forward missed a few practices in favour of therapy days.

The good news is that it does not appear to be a significant injury, as he’s expected to join the national team a little later than expected.

He will be fine and come to national team later

— Tomáš Prokop (@Lewysko) April 30, 2024

The 2024 IIHF World Hockey Championship is taking place in Czechia, hosted by two different cities: Prague and Ostrava. Slovakia qualified for the tournament by being one of the top 14 teams at the 2023 World Hockey Championship. They will play their group games in Ostrava, as they’re a part of Group B, which includes the United States, Germany, Sweden, Latvia, France, Kazakhstan, and Poland.