Juraj Slafkovský

[4] Slafkovský was eligible for the 2022 NHL entry draft and, by mid-season assessment, was being considered as a potential top-five selection based on the strength of his international performances.Shane Wright of the Ontario Hockey League's (OHL) Kingston Frontenacs, cited as the presumptive first overall pick at the beginning of the season, was judged by many as having "left the door open for someone to unseat him" after a subpar start.[11] On 7 July 2022, the Canadiens used the first overall pick to select Slafkovský effectively making him the highest-drafted Slovak player in the history of the NHL, surpassing Marián Gáborík (third overall in 2000).[19] After sustaining a knee injury in a 15 January 2023 game against the New York Rangers, the Canadiens announced that Slafkovský would be out for a period of three months, bringing his season to a premature end.[21][22] The duo were joined by newcomer Alex Newhook to begin the 2023–24 season, but a serious injury sustained by Dach in just the team's second game brought an abrupt end to the line combination.[23][24] Replaced with Josh Anderson, the new trio struggled noticeably over the ensuing month, with discussion brewing as to whether Slafkovský should be sent to the AHL in light of his lack of production.[39] In recognition of his collective international performances in 2022, the Slovak Ice Hockey Federation named Slafkovský as the youngest ever recipient of its Player of the Year award.
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