Canadiens winger Juraj Slafkovsky named to Slovakia's Olympic roster
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Montreal Canadiens forward Juraj Slafkovsky has been named to Slovakia's preliminary roster for the 2026 Winter Olympics.
The No. 1 overall pick in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft will make his second appearance at the Olympics next February in Italy.
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Several countries announced the first six players on their rosters on Monday, and while Slafkovsky was the only Hab named, a number of NHLers are set to make the trip to Milan in 2026.
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Slovakia's Olympic countdown is on. Here are the first 6 players on their preliminary roster.🇸🇰👏 #IIHF #Olympics #NHL #NHLPA @hockeyslovakia @olympics @nhl @nhlpa pic.twitter.com/rgo2iYLrdH
— IIHF (@IIHFHockey) June 16, 2025
Slafkovsky will be joined by former Hab Tomas Tatar, along with fellow 2022 draft pick Simon Nemec. Boston Bruins forwards David Pastrnak and Pavel Zacha will suit up for Czechia. Germany will feature Edmonton Oiler Leon Draisaitl and Ottawa Senator Tim Stutzle, while Roman Josi and Nico Hischier will lead the way for Switzerland.
Slafkovsky suited up for his home country in the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing and it no doubt helped improve his draft stock. He scored seven goals in seven games to lead Slovakia to a bronze medal.
After a slow start to the 2024-25 season, the 6-foot-3, 225-pound winger posted a career-high 51 points for the Canadiens. He added two goals in five games in his NHL post-season debut.
The 2026 Games will mark the first time for NHL players at the Olympics since 2014.
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