Juraj Slafkovsky is going to be staying in Montreal for a long time. The Canadiens signed the 1st overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft to an eight-year contract extension worth $60.8 million or $7.6 million AAV.
The Canadiens have agreed to terms on an eight-year contract extension with forward Juraj Slafkovsky.
News release ↓ #GoHabsGo https://t.co/pm5Ht1q1KP
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) July 1, 2024
Habs Lock Up Juraj Slafkovsky for Eight Seasons
Last season, Slafkovsky started off slowly. However, once he was put on the top line with Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield, the 19-year-old Slovakian forward showed why the Canadiens made him the first overall pick in the 2022 draft. Overall Slafkovsky finished the year with 20 goals and 30 assists for 50 points in 80 games. He scored at nearly a point-per-game pace after his move to the number one line.
Despite playing on the last place team in the Atlantic Division, Slafkovsky’s advanced stats were pretty good. He had a 48.9% CF%, which was a +4.7 relative to the team. He also had a 49.01 XG% while on the ice.
Juraj Slafkovsky, signed to an 8x$7.6M extension by MTL, is a talented big young winger whose game took a massive step forward in his sophomore season, especially playmaking. Still progress to be made but a no-brainer move for the Canadiens. #GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/iYJ65sTkYV
— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) July 1, 2024
What it Means
The Habs have all three members of their top line signed to long-term contracts not. To top it off, Slafkovsky is the cheapest of the three deals. This is excellent work by general manager Kent Hughes, as the line was one of the league’s best in the second half of the season. Now having their top three forwards locked down, the Habs must add some secondary scoring and see continued improvement from their young defenders in order to take the next step and get back to the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Main Photo: Dec 19, 2022; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Montreal Canadiens left wing Juraj Slafkovsky (20) skates against the Arizona Coyotes during the first period at Mullett Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
