Canadiens first overall pick Juraj Slafkovsky makes opening night roster

Slafkovsky was a surprising first pick after Shane Wright’s name dominated the draft headlines leading up to the July selection process. He was named MVP of the 2022 Olympics after scoring seven goals in seven games with Slovakia. Slafkovsky also played with Slovakia’s World Championship team, acting as a key piece of the team’s attack.

The 6-foot-3, 238-pound forward was definitely not a lock to make the Canadiens out of training camp. Slafkovsky had an up-and-down pre-season. Early on, GM Kent Hughes used the terms “underwhelming” and “inconsistent” to describe Slafkovsky’s early play. Last Monday, after recording an assist in a loss to the Leafs, coach Martin St. Louis praised Slafkovsky’s play, saying he was more confident with the puck.

The injury to Joel Armia helped open an opportunity for Slafkovsky, who has the physical and scoring traits to make an impact in the NHL. Slafkovsky could very well stick for just nine games, but this will be an excellent tryout period for the youngster.

Eric Lindros was the last forward to not go straight to the NHL after getting taken first overall in 1991. Owen Power, the 2021 first-overall pick, returned to college before turning pro at the end of the season.

Defensemen Kaiden Guhle, Arber Xhekaj, and Jordan Harris will also start the season with the Canadiens. Harris had a 10-game stint with the Canadiens to close out 2021-22, while Xhekaj and Guhle have made the roster for the first time.