'It's a Big Change': Juraj Slafkovsky Broke Out for Canadiens This Season

Juraj Slafkovsky took a big step forward this year for the Montreal Canadiens, and he's only going to get better.

The Montreal Canadiens' 2023-24 season ended on Tuesday night with a 5-4 shootout loss to the Detroit Red Wings. While the Canadiens were once again among the worst teams in the Eastern Conference this campaign, they are heading in the right direction.

One reason Canadiens fans should feel optimistic about the Original Six club's future is the emergence of 2022 first overall pick Juraj Slafkovsky. After his two-point night against the Red Wings, Slafkovsky ended the year with 20 goals and 50 points in 82 games. 

This season was such a massive step forward for Slafkovsky, and the criticism surrounding him is rapidly decreasing because of it. 

Slafkovsky seems to understand how much he has improved this season, too. He said he was most proud about his growth when speaking to reporters on Wednesday.

"It’s good because I didn’t start great, but I know that I can still improve," Slafkovsky said. "I wasn’t playing the same way that I am now. It’s a big change."

Slafkovsky, indeed, started this season quietly. Over his first 15 games, he had just one goal and one assist. 

But as the season rolled on, he became one of the Canadiens' most important players. His best play came from January to April, as Slafkovsky had 16 goals and 37 points in 46 games. And on April 9 against the Philadelphia Flyers, Slafkovsky recorded his first career NHL hat trick in a 9-3 victory. With numbers like these, he produced like a true top-six forward.

"I kind of know it’s not going to be great all the time," Slafkovsky said. "There’s going to be ups and downs. I’m more prepared now. I just need to find a good standard."

What's so encouraging about Slafkovsky is that he is only 20 years old. The power forward has a plethora of time to develop into a star, and he already started to display signs of becoming one during the second half of the season. 

The 6-foot-3, 230-pound forward is also quite focused on continuing to grow his game. 

"I still feel like I haven’t figured it out completely," he said. "I feel like I can use my body way more and my size way more and my body position… I feel like there’s still a lot of room to grow."

While Slafkovsky is still finding his game, this year was a significant step in the right direction. He was easily the Canadiens' top breakout player, and it's awe-inspiring to note that he did so after struggling out of the gate. 

It will be a treat to see how Slafkovsky responds to his breakout year in 2024-25. Maybe 30 goals and 60 points aren't out of the question. But before that time comes, Slafkovsky has national duties at the World Championship. He said he expects to play for Slovakia at the tournament in Prague and Ostrava, Czechia, which takes place from May 10 to 26. After that?

"Go to Spain for a nice vacation."