As part of the build-up to the first-round playoff series between the Capitals and the Canadiens, we will be looking at some of Montreal’s most important players to know…
Juraj Slafkovský
#20 | RW/LW
Height: 6’3” | Weight: 225
Born: March 30, 2004
Birthplace: Kosice, SVK
Acquired: Drafted by Montreal in the first round (1st overall) in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft
Scouting Report:
Slafkovský brings a lot more to the table than just brute force, though. What makes him a unique prospect is how he turns those extended possession sequences into legitimate scoring chances. Sometimes, it’s a drive to the net-front for a chance of his own; other times, he’ll handle his way into a passing opportunity and send the puck to his linemate to finish the job.
Elite Prospects (2022)
Why You Should Know Who He Is: He’s flown somewhat under the radar as a recent first-overall pick, so it’s almost hard to believe that Slafkovský has now been in the league for parts of two and a half seasons. Since making his debut back in 2022, however, the big Slovakian winger has put up an impressive 111 points in his first 200 games in the NHL. He can run hot and cold when it comes to offense – as one would expect, considering how young he still is – but he works primarily on the team’s top line alongside its two best scorers in Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield, finishing the 2024-25 campaign with the Habs’ fourth-highest point total and third-highest at even strength.
How the Caps Can Stop Him: Although he’s only 20, Slafkovský has already had a few injuries that have perhaps made him more hesitant to seek out contact than his 6’3″, 225-lb frame might suggest. In his rookie season he suffered a season-ending knee injury, and has had shoulder issues in the two years since. This isn’t to say the Caps should target those injuries, of course, but rather just keep up the physical play to limit his offensive abilities. The Caps play a hard, heavy game when they are clicking on all cylinders, and that’s not a game that Slafkovský – or his team in general – likes to play.