yesterday 19:54
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Draft unit Juraj Slafkovský will start the new season in the NHL. The Slovakian striker has also survived the last cuts in Monday’s squad and is expected to make his professional league debut on Thursday at 1am our time.
After Monday’s training, Juraj Slafkovský addressed local journalists. “It’s a really good feeling. I still thought it would work. Now we have work to do, let’s start on Wednesday.” he said at the beginning.
He also revealed how the club informed him that he has made it to the first team and will start the season in the NHL. “Me and other young guys went to the rally and they told us we made the team. And also that it is only the beginning. We also know that we have to fight for our place every day. Nothing ends.
When you play in the NHL, you try to prove every day that you belong here. This is what I have done before and will continue to do so. “
He has been in Montreal since mid-August, completed the rookie pitch and main pitch. What improved during them? “In skating, fighting for the puck or doing the right thing. But there is still a lot that I am not doing well and I have to improve.
I wouldn’t say it’s something I need to fix quickly though. These are things that I will work on and do better every time I step on the ice. The coaches know what it is and every time they see something, they tell me. And I’m trying to get it right next round. They are trying to help me ” he also commented on the coaches.
So the season in the NHL will begin. What’s his plan to stay there? “Play the best I can whenever I have the chance. If I give my best, I can stay here for a long time. And I’ll try to do it.”
In training, he was in third formation with 26-year-old Christian Dvorak and 30-year-old assistant captain Brendan Gallagher. “It’s good that I can play with the greatest players right from the start. They will definitely help me.”
His parents aren’t in Montreal yet. They had only planned to come when their son had a certain place on the first team. She has already invited them. “I immediately wrote to my parents that they could come. I hope they will make it and be here.”
Juraj Slafkovský will play his first game against the Toronto Maple Leafs, which may be symbolic for him as Auston Matthews, who is his model, will play in the opponent’s shirt.
See also how Juraj Slafkovský almost destroyed the bike:
