Juraj Slafkovský Is Stealing the Olympic Spotlight-Again
With the hockey world tuned in to the 2026 Milan Winter Olympics, few players have commanded the stage quite like Montreal Canadiens forward Juraj Slafkovský. And if his performance in Beijing four years ago felt like a breakout moment, what he’s doing now is starting to feel like the foundation of something historic.
Flashback to Beijing: The Birth of a Star
Back in 2022, Slafkovský was just 17 years old-barely old enough to vote, but already good enough to dominate on the Olympic stage. He scored seven goals in seven games for Slovakia, powering them to a bronze medal and earning MVP honors from the International Ice Hockey Federation. That tournament didn’t just put him on the map-it helped launch him to the top of the 2022 NHL Draft, where Montreal made him the first overall pick.
Milan 2026: Bigger Role, Bigger Impact
Fast-forward to Milan, and Slafkovský isn’t just part of Slovakia’s Olympic roster-he’s helping drive it. Before the tournament, he made it clear he wanted to take on more of a leadership role. Three games in, he’s doing exactly that.
Slovakia has emerged as the surprise winner of Group B, a result few saw coming. And Slafkovský?
He’s been right in the middle of it, with three goals in three games and an on-ice presence that’s impossible to miss. He’s averaging 24 shifts and 20 minutes a night-both tops among Slovak forwards.
That’s a clear sign of how much his coaches trust him, whether it’s on the power play, penalty kill, or in the final minutes of a tight game.
What makes his production even more impressive is the context. He’s tied for second in tournament scoring alongside Macklin Celebrini, trailing only Connor McDavid.
But unlike McDavid, who’s surrounded by elite NHL talent on Team Canada, Slafkovský is doing this without the same level of star-studded support. That only underscores how much of the load he’s carrying for Slovakia-and how well he’s handling it.
Chasing Olympic History
With 10 Olympic goals already under his belt-and he’s still not yet 22-Slafkovský is entering rarefied air. Only three players in Olympic history have reached double-digit goals before turning 22: Harvey Smith in 1924, Dave Trottier in 1928, and Bruce Mather in 1948. That’s the kind of company Slafkovský is keeping now.
The all-time Olympic goal record belongs to Finland’s Teemu Selanne, who finished his career with 17. At the pace Slafkovský is on, that number isn’t just within reach-it’s in sight.
What This Means for Montreal
While Slovakia is reaping the immediate benefits of Slafkovský’s growth, the Montreal Canadiens have to be watching with excitement. This kind of high-pressure, high-stakes experience can fast-track a young player’s development in ways that regular-season NHL games simply can’t replicate. Slafkovský is learning how to lead, how to perform when the spotlight is brightest, and how to carry a team when it matters most.
That’s the kind of growth that doesn’t just stay in Milan-it comes back with him to Montreal. And if this Olympic run is any indication, the Canadiens might be looking at a player who’s not just fulfilling his potential, but redefining it.