BREAKING: Canadiens’ Juraj Slafkovsky Addresses worrisome Injury Concerns after ‘embarrassing’ 8-2 loss to Kraken
Juraj Slafkovsky is set to return to the Montreal Canadiens lineup after missing over a week. The 2022 first-overall pick hasn’t played since October 19, having sustained an injury in practice days later. Though initially expected to miss at least a week, Slafkovsky confirmed he’ll be active when the Canadiens face the Seattle Kraken on Tuesday night. Clearing up speculation, Slafkovsky revealed that the injury didn’t involve his shoulders, calling it a “weird injury” but assuring that he’s now fully recovered, as reported by *Sportsnet*’s Priyanta Emrith.
As is common in hockey, Slafkovsky kept additional details under wraps, consistent with players’ preference to limit specifics that could provide a strategic advantage to opponents. Canadiens fans are eager for him to pick up where he left off, as the 20-year-old has been an offensive leader for Montreal. After a career-high 50-point season last year, he’s on track for even more this season, with a goal and five assists in his first six games—on pace for 79 points if he remains healthy. His strong start has already justified the eight-year, $60.8 million extension he signed in the offseason.
#Habs Juraj Slafkovský talking about the upper-body injury that kept him out of the line-up the last 3 games ⤵ pic.twitter.com/efv3dccFgy
— Priyanta Emrith (@HabsInHighHeels) October 29, 2024
The Canadiens are aiming for a third consecutive win against a Kraken team currently on a three-game skid. Slafkovsky has two assists in his four career games against Seattle, and fans are hopeful he’ll add to that tally in his return.