The Montreal Canadiens have drafted 2022 Olympic MVP Juraj Slafkovsky first overall, the first Slovakian player taken at the top spot.
Slafkovsky entered the draft as the projected second top prospect behind Shane Wright, who led the NHL’s Central Scouting list all year long.
Slafkovsky was named MVP of the 2022 Olympics after leading Slovakia to a bronze medal with seven goals. It marked Slovakia’s best result in Olympic competition.
From The Hockey News’ prospect expert Ryan Kennedy: “Big, talented and edgy, Slafkovsky had a wild international schedule that saw him turn heads at the Olympics and the worlds. Playing in Finland, the Slovakian teen had decent numbers, but there’s still a lot of potential, too.”
Slafkovsky had 10 points in the top Finnish league with TPS as well as 18 points at the U-20 level. He has a contract with TPS for next season as it stands.
