The Montreal Canadiens put together a statement win on Thursday night, knocking off the Colorado Avalanche 7-3 in a game that showcased the kind of offensive firepower this young squad is starting to harness. And right in the middle of it all? Juraj Slafkovsky, who continues to turn heads in what’s shaping up to be a breakout season.
Slafkovsky chipped in with a goal and an assist in the win, pushing his season totals to 20 goals, 23 assists, and 43 points through 54 games. That’s not just solid production - that’s the kind of leap you want to see from a former No. 1 overall pick. The 21-year-old winger is starting to put it all together, and the Canadiens are reaping the rewards.
What stands out most is how Slafkovsky’s game has matured. He’s not just scoring - he’s making plays, driving possession, and showing a better feel for the pace of the NHL.
His physical tools have always been there, but now the confidence and decision-making are catching up. That’s a big reason why he’s on the verge of setting new career highs across the board, and we’re still not even into February.
He’s just one goal shy of surpassing last season’s total of 20, which he posted across a full 82-game slate. This year, he’s hit that mark in just 54. That kind of efficiency speaks volumes about his growth and how much more comfortable he looks in the Canadiens’ system.
And it’s not just the goals. Slafkovsky is also closing in on new personal bests in assists and points - needing just 10 more helpers and nine more total points to eclipse his previous highs. At this pace, it’s not a matter of if he’ll get there, but when.
For Montreal, this is exactly the kind of development curve they were hoping for when they made Slafkovsky the top pick in 2022. He’s starting to look like a cornerstone piece - a big-bodied winger who can play in all situations, contribute offensively, and still has room to grow.
With nearly a third of the season still to play, Slafkovsky’s trajectory is one of the more exciting storylines for the Canadiens. If he keeps this up, he won’t just set new personal bests - he’ll cement himself as a key part of Montreal’s long-term core.