In an unexpected turn of events, Montreal Canadiens forward Juraj Slafkovsky’s availability for Saturday’s game against the New York Islanders is up in the air. Slafkovsky, who has been a key player for the Canadiens in the early part of the season, left practice early on Friday with what appeared to be a shoulder injury.
Sources from the practice rink reported that Slafkovsky was seen favoring his left shoulder after taking a shot on net. He promptly headed to the locker room and did not return to the ice for the remainder of the session. This raised concerns among fans and the coaching staff alike, as the young forward has been a bright spot for Montreal in the early goings of the season.
When queried about Slafkovsky’s status for the upcoming game, head coach Martin St. Louis expressed uncertainty. “We will have to wait and see how he feels tomorrow before making a final decision,” St. Louis remarked. The Canadiens are hoping for the best, as the 20-year-old has already notched a goal and three assists in just five games this season.
Slafkovsky’s potential absence comes at a critical juncture for the Canadiens, especially considering his recent contract extension. After impressing in his rookie season and being selected first overall in the 2022 draft, Slafkovsky signed a lucrative eight-year, $60.8 million deal that is set to commence next year. The young Slovakian forward truly announced his arrival last season with 20 goals and 50 points in 82 games, and the expectations are sky-high for the burgeoning star.
On the team front, the Canadiens have stumbled out of the gates with a 2-3-0 record, while the Islanders have struggled as well, sitting at 1-1-2. With the matchup looming, both teams are eager to bounce back and secure a much-needed victory.
As the uncertainty surrounding Slafkovsky’s availability lingers, Canadiens fans can only hope for a positive update ahead of the crucial showdown against the Islanders. The young phenom’s potential absence would undoubtedly be a significant blow to Montreal’s lineup, but the resilience of this team will be put to the test as they look to overcome adversity and emerge victorious in their upcoming clash. Stay tuned for further updates on Slafkovsky’s playing status as game day approaches.