Slafkovsky Speaks On His Goals For Camp, Summer In Montreal

Montreal Canadiens forward Juraj Slafkovsky has enjoyed his time in Montreal this summer and plans on doing everything in his power to stay.

With the Montreal Canadiens rookie camp just a week away, 2022 1st overall pick, Juraj Slafkovsky, has his sights on staying in Montreal this season. Although it may seem like an obvious thing to say, the Canadiens currently have 15 forwards signed for this upcoming season and have yet to sign Kirby Dach. With Slafkovsky being eligible for the AHL due to being drafted out of Europe, the Canadiens might be tempted to send him down to the AHL to start, unless Slafkovsky forces their hand.

“Camp starts next week and (the plan) will come from there. It’s about how ready I’ll be,” said Slafkovsky when asked if there’s already a plan in place for him this season. “I hope I’m ready, so we’ll see.”

Slafkovsky is aware of the current forward crunch in Montreal and, although he has his sights set on staying with the big club, he will ultimately go wherever general manager Kent Hughes believes is best for his development.

“I’m trying to do everything so that I can play in the NHL, but, of course, I will do whatever Montreal says and thinks will be better for me,” said Slafkovsky about the possibility of playing in the AHL to start.”

Even if Slafkovsky were to start with the Laval Rocket or spend pockets of time there this season, he’ll likely have a friend or two waiting for him there. Many prospects, Slafkovsky included, decided to spend the better part of the month of August in Montreal to get acclimated to their new environment and prepare for a crucial training camp. During his short time in Montreal, Slafkovsky has already shown a desire to not only integrate with his new teammates within the organization but also within the city’s cultural fabric.

“I’ve been around Nick Suzuki a bit, playing at a 3-on-3 game with Josh Anderson, but it’s mostly us young guys hanging out,” said Slafkovsky of who he’s spent time with during his last few weeks in Montreal. “Guys like Filip Mesar, Kaiden Guhle, Arber Xhekaj; we went to see a soccer game too.”

Having gotten a taste of the Montreal market at the draft and during his last month in the city, Slafkovsky looks prime and ready to force Kent Hughes’ hand when decision time comes looming. However, as the 18-year-old said, he’s got a lot of work to do before we can start talking about seeing him in the NHL.