Failing to attract big-name free agents, Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes settled a major issue by granting a hefty eight-year, $60.8 million contract extension to forward Juraj Slafkovsky on Monday.
“Juraj loves Montreal, he loves the city and he loves playing here,” the GM said at a press conference, also specifying that negotiations began about a month ago.
• Read also: Canadian: Alex Burrows leaves his position as assistant
• Read also: Marchessault considered an offer from CH
• Read also: Canadian: Qualifying offers to Xhekaj and Barron, but not Norlinder
The 20-year-old will earn an average of $7.6 million starting in 2025-26, less than Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield’s pacts. Next season, he will finish his three-year, $13.35 million rookie deal, which includes performance bonuses.
Hughes notably said Slafkovsky could have gotten more money if he had been willing to wait until next summer and had another good season in 2024-25.
The first overall pick in the 2022 NHL draft, Slafkovsky impressed last season, especially when head coach Martin St-Louis placed him on a line that included Suzuki and Caufield. He totaled 20 goals and 30 assists for 50 points in 82 games.
Moreover, he became the first player in the history of the franchise to reach the 40-point mark in a season before celebrating his 20th birthday. At the end of the regular season, he represented Slovakia at the World Championship and collected eight assists in as many outings.
