Canadiens Notes: Slafkovský’s Growth, Hutson’s Rest, and Olympic Highlights Around the League
Juraj Slafkovský is showing the hockey world just how far he’s come. Four years ago, he turned heads at the Olympics without a single NHL game under his belt.
Now, he’s going toe-to-toe with the best players on the planet-and holding his own. According to Marian Gaborik, what we’re seeing from Slafkovský this time around is a clear sign of how much his game and maturity have evolved.
The physical tools were always there, but now we’re seeing a more polished, confident version of the player who once shocked the world in 2022. It’s the kind of progression that has Canadiens fans-and Slovak hockey fans-thinking long-term impact.
On the blue line, Alexandre Carrier offered some perspective on Lane Hutson’s Olympic break. While Hutson has shown flashes of brilliance in his second NHL season, it’s easy to forget he’s still adjusting to the grind of a full NHL schedule.
Carrier noted that the Olympic pause came at the right time for the young defenseman, giving him a chance to recharge and recalibrate. Development isn’t always linear, especially for undersized, high-skill defensemen like Hutson, but the Canadiens are playing the long game-and that patience could pay off in a big way.
Olympic Ice Heating Up
Elsewhere in Olympic play, Macklin Celebrini made history by becoming the first NHL player to score on a penalty shot at the Olympics. It’s another milestone for the young star, who continues to thrive on the big stage and show why he’s been one of the most talked-about names in hockey this year.
Brad Marchand is also making headlines, suiting up for Canada in the quarter-finals. Love him or hate him, Marchand brings experience, edge, and a knack for rising in big moments-exactly what Canada will need as the stakes get higher.
As for what’s next, the Olympic qualification round is set, and Tuesday’s slate is loaded with win-or-go-home intensity. Germany faces off against France, Switzerland takes on Italy, Czechia meets Denmark, and Sweden battles Latvia. With single-elimination pressure and Olympic dreams on the line, expect the unexpected.
We’re entering the business end of the tournament, and with NHL talent peppered across multiple rosters, the next few days promise to bring some of the most compelling international hockey we’ve seen in years.