Juraj Slafkovsky Injury News & Updates
Keep up with the latest injuries from the Penguins vs Canadiens game on Monday with our National Hockey League injury report.Dec 5, 2023
Moves to top line
Slafkovsky had one shot and two hits over 17:14 of ice time in Monday's 4-2 win over Seattle.
ANALYSIS
Slafkovsky was moved to the top line with Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield after a tweak of the line combinations. While his line score doesn't suggest a productive night, Slafkovsky is doing the things not seen in a box score, per Arpon Basu of The Athletic. "If you don't move your feet, it's hard to use your size," Montreal head coach Martin St. Louis said. "There's anticipation and understanding where the game's going, so I think he's anticipating really well and he gets there on time so he can use his body." St. Louis wanted to give the 19-year-old forward stable linemates this season to foster his development, but that luxury has not been available to the coach due to injuries. St. Louis has left him in a top-six environment, including power-play ice time, and while Slafkovsky's play has pleased the Canadiens' coaching staff, it hasn't yet paid fantasy dividends. Slafkovsky has two goals on 34 shots (5.9 shooting percentage) and five assists through 25 games.
Nov 25, 2023
Offensive surge continues
Slafkovsky recorded an assist, three shots on goal and one blocked shot over 19:44 of ice time in Friday's 3-2 shootout win over the Sharks.
ANALYSIS
After retrieving a rebound directed to the corner by goalie Cayden Primeau, Slafkovsky fed Cole Caufield then watched him go directly and beat Mackenzie Blackwood for the game-tying goal that set up overtime and the shootout. It was the fourth point (one goal, three assists) in the last five games for Slafkovsky, who was on the ice for both of Montreal's regulation tallies. Canadiens head coach Martin St. Louis has exhibited patience with the 2022 first-overall pick, and it appears to be paying off.
Nov 18, 2023
Two points in loss
Slafkovsky scored a goal and added an assist in a 5-2 loss to the Bruins.
ANALYSIS
Slafkovsky was in the bumper and finished a feed from Nick Suzuki, who was behind the net. It was his first goal in seven games, and his second this season. So far, Slafkovsky has just six goals in 57 games over two seasons. That seems light on the surface, but he's still just 19 years of age. His release is like lightning, and his size is tantalizing. And there's plenty of time for him to become an NHL force. Remember -- Jack Hughes has about the same number of goals in the same number of games early in his career. He's no Jack Hughes, but he has the potential to be an NHL star.
Nov 15, 2023
Records assist in loss
Slafkovsky had an assist, one shot on goal, one blocked shot and four hits over 14:23 of ice time in Tuesday's 2-1 loss to Calgary.
ANALYSIS
Slafkovsky picked up the secondary helper on Montreal's lone goal, his first point in five games. Unlocking the 2022 first-overall draft pick's offense has been a primary objective of Canadiens head coach Martin St. Louis -- the coach is giving him stability in terms of TOI and linemates -- but Slafkovsky has just one goal on 24 shots and three points over 16 games.
Nov 5, 2023
Best part of disappointing loss
Slafkovsky scored a power-play goal, had four shots on net and delivered one hit over 18:06 of ice time in Saturday's 6-3 loss to the Blues.
ANALYSIS
Slafkovsky scoring his first goal in 11 games is one positive to take away from a rough night for the Canadiens, who lost in regulation for the second straight game to a team that played the previous night while Montreal rested. With the 19-year-old forward's play slipping, head coach Martin St. Louis could have demoted Slafkovsky to a lower line or scratched him, but the coach opted for a promotion to the top line with Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield. The decision looks like a good one, as Slafkovsky had a season-high SOG and a couple of subtle puck-touches that led to scoring chances, including one on his power-play strike.
Nov 3, 2023
Delivers three hits in loss
Slafkovsky recorded three hits over 14:17 of ice time in Thursday's 3-2 loss to Arizona.
ANALYSIS
One has to go back to the first game of the season for Slafkovsky's only point, an assist. The 2022 first-round draft pick, who doesn't have a shot on goal in the first two games of a road trip that heads to St. Louis on Saturday, has forced a goalie to make a save just 10 times over 10 games.
Oct 31, 2023
Growth without scoring
Slafkovsky had one hit and two penalty minutes over 14:02 of ice time in Monday's 3-2 shootout loss to the Golden Knights.
ANALYSIS
Slafkovsky, who recorded an assist opening night, has gone pointless in eight games since. Despite the lack of scoring, he continues to skate on the second line and is part of the power play, as head coach Martin St. Louis is adamant about giving him regular TOI and linemates. While the points haven't been there, the coach focuses the 19-year-old's puck touches instead of goals and assists, per Arpon Basu of The Athletic. "Personally, I'm happy with Slaf because he's touching the puck a lot," St. Louis said prior to Monday's game. "Compared to last year, it's a big difference. So his evolution, already in 12 months, I find it very encouraging, and I'm very eager to see him in 12 months." It sounds like St. Louis will remain focused on process and ride it out with Slafkovsky, but at some point, the forward will be expected to produce offense.
Oct 13, 2023
Contributes in loss
Slafkovsky had an assist, one shot on goal, three hits and finished plus-1 over 15:25 of ice time in Wednesday's 6-5 shootout loss to Toronto.
ANALYSIS
Slafkovsky had the primary assist on Alex Newhook's first goal, deftly slipping a backhand pass around a defender. He later kept the puck in the zone to initiate a sequence that led to Newhook's second marker. Wednesday's TOI was more than three minutes over his average as a rookie in 2022-23. Montreal head coach Martin St. Louis' plan is to give Slafkovsky more TOI and stable linemates in his second NHL season.
Oct 8, 2023
Notches goal in win
Slafkovsky scored a goal on three shots and delivered three hits in Saturday's 6-4 preseason win over the Senators.
ANALYSIS
Slafkovsky gave Montreal an early lead just 33 seconds into the game. The 19-year-old set a screen in front of Mads Sogaard, then buried his second preseason goal off the rebound. Montreal head coach Martin St. Louis got Slafkovsky into a team-high five preseason games. Kirby Dach has been a frequent partner, and the duo was joined by Alex Newhook on Saturday. The second-year forward will skate on the second line with Dach and another winger to be determined. St. Louis plans to give him consistent playing time and linemates, which could result in a much better sophomore season for Slafkovsky.
Oct 4, 2023
Lines up with Dach
Slafkovsky has been on the same line with Kirby Dach three times during preseason action, Arpon Basu of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
It appears head coach Martin St. Louis sees something about the combination of Slafkovsky and Dach, whose ability to create scoring chances could help elevate the 19-year-old Slovak. St. Louis believes an ideal linemate for Dach is a shooter and goal scorer, which is what the Canadiens drafted Slafkovsky to do. The coach wants to give Slafkovsky more minutes this season along with a stable role and line, something he did not have during his rookie 2022-23 season.
Sep 29, 2023
Strong effort Wednesday
Slafkovsky scored a goal on two shots in Wednesday's preseason win over Ottawa.
ANALYSIS
Slafkovsky, playing his first game since last season, pounced on loose puck from a net-front scramble and beat Joonas Korpisalo with snap shot to give Montreal a 2-0 lead in the second period. The 19-year-old, after whetting his scoring appetite, looked for more later in the period but shot wide or was denied. Expectations are high for the 2022 first-overall pick, whose rookie season ended with four goals and 10 points over 39 games before a season-ending knee injury in January. "I'm just hoping for him to grow this season," head coach Martin St. Louis told Herb Zurkowsky of the Montreal Gazette. "And growing is not necessarily in a straight line. There's going to be some dips and stuff, but I'm pretty sure from now until the end of the season, when we connect these dots, it's going up." Slafkovsky is penciled in as a third-line winger, but his role could grow if he shows development.
Sep 11, 2023
Ready to rock
Slafkovsky (lower body) will be available for the start of training camp, Eric Engels of Sportsnet reports.
ANALYSIS
Slafkovsky's rookie campaign in 2022-23 was cut short due to a lower-body injury in mid-January. In 39 outings last season, he earned four goals, six assists and 53 hits. Slafkovsky will compete for a bottom-six role during camp.
Apr 3, 2023
Officially shut down
Slafkovsky (lower body) has been officially ruled out for the remainder of the season, Eric Engels of Sportsnet.ca reports Monday.
ANALYSIS
Slafkovsky was a long shot to get back into action before the end of the campaign based on his initial three-month recovery timeline. The 19-year-old rookie notched four goals and six assists, including three power-play points, in 34 games this season. The 2022 first-overall pick will no doubt be eager to play a full 82-game season next year and should be capable of pushing for 25-30 points if he can stay healthy.
Jan 18, 2023
Likely done for the year
Slafkovsky is expected to be sidelined for three months with a lower-body injury that won't require surgery.
ANALYSIS
Slafkovsky will almost certainly miss the rest of the regular season, and with the Canadiens sitting in last place in the Atlantic Divison, fantasy managers shouldn't expect to see the No. 1 overall pick from the 2022 Entry Draft back in action until the 2023-24 campaign. If that ends up being the case, Slafkovsky will finish his rookie season having picked up four goals, 10 points and a minus-13 rating while averaging 12:13 of ice time through 39 appearances.
Jan 17, 2023
Designated for injured reserve
Slafkovsky (lower body) landed on injured reserve Monday.
ANALYSIS
Slafkovsky is currently stuck in a 15-game pointless streak dating back to Dec. 14 against Ottawa while also having failed to score in 21 straight outings. With Joel Armia (upper body) and Jake Evans (lower body) also going on IR, the team has recalled Rafael Harvey-Pinard and Rem Pitlick from the minors to fill out the lineup. The team hasn't provided any specifics on when Slafkovsky might be cleared to return, so fantasy players should consider him out indefinitely at this point.
Jan 15, 2023
Exits Sunday's game
Slafkovsky suffered a lower-body injury Sunday against the Rangers, Eric Engels of Sportsnet.ca reports.
ANALYSIS
Salfkovsky posted a minus-1 rating with two PIM in 9:04 of ice time Sunday. The rookie winger will be evaluated in Montreal ahead of Tuesday's tilt with the Jets.
Dec 15, 2022
Notches assist in loss
Slafkovsky had an assist, one shot on goal, one hit and two penalty minutes in Wednesday's 3-2 loss to the Senators.
ANALYSIS
Slafkovsky was the secondary helper on Kirby Dach's goal, initiating a third-period comeback that Montreal could not complete. It was his second consecutive game with an assist, and the rookie has five points over the last seven contests. Slafkovsky's offensive skills are no longer being wasted on the fourth line.
Dec 13, 2022
Logs assist in win
Slafkovsky had an assist, three shots on goal and four hits over a season-high 15:22 of ice time in Monday's 2-1 shootout win over Calgary.
ANALYSIS
Slafkovsky cycled away from defenders in the corner, waiting for a play to make and found Josh Anderson at the crease for the game-tying goal in the third period. The rookie forward skated on the third line and will help Montreal, which is dealing with injuries to several forwards. It was the fourth point in six games for Slafkovsky, whose days on the fourth line may be over.
Dec 6, 2022
Produces helper
Slafkovsky registered an assist in Tuesday's 4-2 win over the Kraken.
ANALYSIS
Slafkovsky helped out on Josh Anderson's game-winning marker early in the second period. Over the last seven games, Slafkovsky has a goal and three assists -- it looks like he's getting more comfortable while seeing third-line minutes. The rookie winger is up to eight points, 25 shots, 19 hits, 23 PIM and a minus-1 rating through 21 outings.
Dec 4, 2022
Logs assist on power play
Slafkovsky had a power-play assist, one hit and one blocked shot over 14:25 of ice time in Saturday's 5-3 loss to the Oilers.
ANALYSIS
Slafkovsky set up Arber Xhekaj 10 seconds into a second-period 5-on-3 advantage that knotted the score at three goals apiece. The assist was his first on the power play and third overall. After opening the season on the fourth line, the rookie has been deployed on the second line the last two games. Slafkovsky has seven points, 25 shots, 16 hits, 13 blocked shots and 23 PIM while averaging 11:16 TOI over 19 contests.
Dec 1, 2022
Scores forth goal of season
Slafkovsky scored a goal in Montreal's 2-1 win against Calgary on Thursday.
ANALYSIS
Slafkovsky has four goals, six points and 23 PIM in 18 games this season. Entering Thursday's contest, he was averaging just 11:00 of ice time, but that includes 1:04 on the power play. His overall minimal role clearly limits his current fantasy value, but the fact that he's being used on the power play does keep things interesting.
Nov 29, 2022
At Monday's practice
Slafkovsky was at Monday's practice after briefly leaving Friday's game following a hard hit, Pat Hickey of the Montreal Gazette reports.
ANALYSIS
Slafkovsky was forced to leave the bench Friday before returning. He did not get on the ice after returning to the bench. He apparently cleared the NHL's concussion protocol, although the hit looked high on the body but not to the head. Given his presence at practice Monday, Slafkovsky is expected to play Tuesday against the Sharks.
Nov 26, 2022
Briefly leaves Friday
Slafkovsky briefly left Friday's 3-2 shootout win over Chicago in the third period after taking a hit from Jason Dickinson, but he eventually returned to the ice, Brendan Kelly of the Montreal Gazette reports.
ANALYSIS
The hit was high on the body but legal and no penalty was called. The Canadiens and Slavkovsky have three days off before next playing Tuesday at home against the Sharks.
Nov 24, 2022
Back to fourth line
Slafkovsky had an assist, one shot one goal, one hit and one blocked shot over 10:20 of ice time in Wednesday's 3-1 win over Columbus.
ANALYSIS
Slafkovsky had a hand in Arber Xhekaj's third-period game-tying goal. It was the rookie's second assist of the season, both coming in the last four contests. After one game on the second line, Slafkovsky was back on the familiar fourth line, but he remained part of the power play.
Nov 23, 2022
Moves up to second line
Slafkovsky had two shots on goal, one blocked shot and two penalty minutes over 14:22 of ice time in Tuesday's 7-2 loss to Buffalo.
ANALYSIS
Slafkovsky is usually part of the fourth line but was promoted to the second line with Mike Hoffman idled by a lower-body injury. He also was given a season-high 4:23 on the second power-play unit. The 18-year-old has three goals and one assist through 14 games but has shown offense from the lowest line with a 15.8 shooting percentage.
Nov 16, 2022
Returns to ice
Slafkovsky had four shots and three blocked shots over 12:24 of ice time in Tuesday's 5-1 loss to the Devils.
ANALYSIS
Slafkovsky returned to the lineup after sitting the last two games while on an NHL-imposed suspension. The rookie was back on the fourth line but was added to the second power-play unit, getting 1:59 TOI while Montreal was a man up.
Nov 13, 2022
Finishes serving suspension
Slafkovsky has finished serving his two-game suspension for boarding Detroit's Matt Luff (wrist).
ANALYSIS
Slafkovsky will be eligible to return to the lineup Tuesday against New Jersey. The rookie forward has three goals and 13 hits in 10 games this season. Slafkovsky has averaged 11:02 of ice time with the Canadiens.
Nov 9, 2022
Suspended for two games
Slafkovsky was suspended two games Wednesday by the Department of Player Safety for boarding the Red Wings' Matt Luff (wrist).
ANALYSIS
Slafkovsky received a major penalty and game misconduct for boarding at 14:28 of the third period during Tuesday's 3-2 shootout win against Detroit. Luff will undergo surgery Thursday and is expected to miss 10-12 weeks as a result of the incident. Slafkovsky has three goals in 10 games this season while averaging 11:02 of ice time. He'll be eligible to return Nov. 15 against New Jersey.
Nov 9, 2022
Set for hearing with league
Slafkovsky will have a hearing with the Department of Player Safety on Wednesday for boarding Detroit's Matt Luff.
ANALYSIS
Slafkovsky was ejected from Wednesday's game with Detroit after the boarding call but appears set to miss some more time. With Luff picking up a long-term upper-body injury as a result, Slafkovsky could be facing a multi-game suspension. Assuming Slafkovsky won't play against Vancouver on Wednesday, Michael Pezzetta figures to step into the lineup while Sean Monahan could see additional power-play minutes.
Nov 9, 2022
Booted for boarding
Slafkovsky was assessed a five-minute boarding penalty and game misconduct during Tuesday's 3-2 overtime win over the Red Wings and could face further punishment, Erik Leijon of the Montreal Gazette reports.
ANALYSIS
Slafkovsky sent Matt Luff into the boards with about five minutes left in the third period, and the Red Wing immediately left the ice. The hit was similar to the one teammate Josh Anderson delivered to Vegas' Alex Pietrangelo on Saturday, which cost him two games.
Nov 6, 2022
Scores in loss
Slafkovsky scored a goal on three shots and blocked a shot over 11:34 of ice time in Saturday's 6-4 loss to Vegas.
ANALYSIS
Slafkovsky finished off the scoring with just under five minutes remaining in the third period. It was the rookie's third goal in nine games played. He's seeing time mainly on the fourth line, as head coach Martin St. Louis eases the 18-year-old into the NHL, but he could emerge as depth scoring for a team that needs secondary snipers. Slafkovsky told Pat Hickey of the Montreal Gazette that he's learning to find more opportunities to shoot. He has just nine shots on net but fired a season-high three Saturday.
Oct 29, 2022
Returns to action Saturday
Slavkovsky (upper body) will be back in the Montreal lineup Saturday as they visit the St. Louis Blues, according to RDS.ca.
ANALYSIS
Slavkovsky missed the last three games with the injury. The first overall selection of the 2022 Draft has a solitary goal in five games. He will see likely see action on the third line Saturday with Christian Dvorak and Josh Anderson.
Oct 27, 2022
Won't play Thursday
Slafkovsky (upper body) is expected to miss Thursday's game against Buffalo.
ANALYSIS
It will be Slafkovsky's third straight game on the sidelines. The good news is that he did participate in Wednesday's practice, so he has been making progress towards his eventual return.
Oct 26, 2022
Will travel with team
Slafkovsky (upper body) hasn't been cleared yet, but will travel with the Canadiens on the road.
ANALYSIS
Slafkovsky was on the ice for Wednesday's practice. He appears to be trending in the right direction and could play during Montreal's four-game trip after sitting out the past two games.
Oct 24, 2022
Won't play Tuesday
Slafkovsky (upper body) won't be available for Tuesday's game against Minnesota, Renaud Lavoie of TVA Sports reports.
ANALYSIS
Slafkovsky wasn't available to play in Saturday's loss to Dallas either. He didn't take part in Monday's practice because he was scheduled to go through some medical testing. It is expected that a timetable for his return could emerge Wednesday.
Oct 22, 2022
Suffers upper body injury
Slafkovsky is day-to-day with an upper-body injury, Eric Engels of Sportsnet.ca reports.
ANALYSIS
Slafkovsky was the first overall pick in the 2022 Draft and potted his first career NHL goal Thursday. He will be replaced by Rem Pitlick on the fourth line Saturday as Montreal hosts the Stars.
Oct 20, 2022
Notches first NHL goal
Slafkovsky scored his first goal, and first point, in the NHL during Thursday's 6-2 win over the Coyotes.
ANALYSIS
With Montreal already ahead 3-0 midway through the second period, the 18-year-old grabbed an attempted clearing pass in the Arizona zone, moved into the faceoff circle and ripped a shot over Connor Ingram's glove. Slafkovsky actually led the Canadiens in TOI at even strength, and it appears as though the team is going to give the first overall pick in this year's draft a real chance to stick on the NHL roster.
Oct 18, 2022
Dropped to fourth line
Slafkovsky had three hits over 9:52 of ice time in Monday's 3-2 overtime win over the Penguins.
ANALYSIS
After three games at left wing on the third line, Slafkovsky started on the fourth line Monday. The demotion was part of several lineup tweaks implemented by Montreal head coach Martin St. Louis, but it doesn't necessarily reflect on the 18-year-old rookie's play over the first three games. The Canadiens entered Monday's contest having scored one goal over six periods, so changes were inevitable. If the fourth line is the best place of Slavkovsky in the NHL, then a better place may be AHL Laval, where he can get more developmental ice time.
Oct 16, 2022
Logs season-high ice time in loss
Slafkovsky was plus-1 over 12:41 of ice time in Saturday's 3-1 loss to Washington.
ANALYSIS
By design, the 18-year-old Slafkovsky's been kept under wraps early in the start of his NHL career. Saturday's TOI was the highest over the first three games, but he's yet to get work on the power play and saddled on the third line. Canadiens head coach Martin St. Louis is comfortable with that for now, Marc Antoine Godin of The Athletic reports. St. Louis wants to integrate the man-sized forward slowly without undue expectations and learn the five-on-five game. The coach noted he had more puck touches Saturday, which is an important part of Slafkovsky's development. It's unknown if that development will continue at the NHL level, or if the organization decides AHL Laval is the best environment for Slafkovsky.
Oct 10, 2022
Makes Opening Night roster
Slafkovsky is on Montreal's roster to begin the 2022-23 campaign.
ANALYSIS
There was some question as to whether or not the 2022 No. 1 overall pick would begin the year with the Canadiens or AHL Laval. With Opening Night rosters set, Salfkovsky should make his NHL debut Wednesday against the Maple Leafs. It's unclear how the big-bodied rookie will be deployed out of the gate but his early performance will likely influence his spot in the lineup.
Oct 4, 2022
Makes strides in third game
Slafkovsky had a power-play assist, four shots on net and one hit over 16:22 of ice time in Monday's 5-1 loss to the Maple Leafs.
ANALYSIS
Slafkovsky, who nearly scored a goal but was robbed by Matt Murray, had his strongest game of the preseason Monday, perhaps hearing last week's comments of general manager Kent Hughes. The GM, speaking to the hosts of the Ray & Dregs Hockey Podcast, threw around the words "underwhelming" and "inconsistent" to describe Slafkovsky's play during the exhibition season, per Stu Cowan of the Montreal Gazette. The 18-year-old is adjusting to a smaller rink size in North America, and the 6-foot-3, 238-pound left winger wasn't aggressive in his first two preseason outings. "He had a lot of jump and more confidence with the puck," head coach Martin St. Louis told Pat Hickey of the Gazette following Monday's game. "He was in the game. Sometimes it takes a few games to understand the speed and adjust to our concepts but I'm very happy for him." The Canadiens' brass said the first-overall pick in the 2022 draft could open the season at AHL Laval if that's what is best for Slafkovsky's development.
Jul 13, 2022
Signs entry-level contract
Slafkovsky signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Canadiens on Wednesday.
ANALYSIS
The Canadiens selected Slafkovsky with the No. 1 overall pick in this year's Entry Draft. The 18-year-old winger spent the 2021-22 campaign with TPS of Finland's Liiga, picking up five goals and 10 points through 31 contests. At this juncture it appears as though Slafkovsky will return to Finland for the 2022-23 season, but if he impresses during training camp, he could make the jump to the NHL immediately.
Jul 7, 2022
Drafted first overall Thursday
Slafkovsky was selected first overall by the Canadiens in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft on Thursday.
ANALYSIS
Slafkovsky is a tantalizing prospect. He's big, skilled and physical, with a nose for the net and outstanding puck skills. He started slowly against pros in the Finnish League this season, but swiftly put up an epic list of accomplishments in tournament play. Slafkovsky carried the Slovaks to a surprise silver at the U18 Hlinka Gretzky Cup and became the Olympic MVP while lifting his squad to an equally stunning bronze. And he had a team-leading nine points at the Worlds. He's the most pro-ready player in the 2022 draft and some see Rick Nash in his game.