Juraj Slafkovsky On the Verge of Signing 8-Year Extension?

Since January 1, 2024, over 34 games, the first overall pick of the 2022 draft has racked up an impressive total of 26 points, including 11 goals.

After a rather lukewarm start to the season where he only scored three points in 17 games, the young Slovak gradually found his footing and since December, a new Slafkovsky has emerged that the Canadiens can rely on.

Here's his striking progression during the season:

It's frankly amazing to see how much CH's number 20 has evolved within the season. To produce at a pace of 75 points per year at the age of 19 over the past two months is an extremely promising feat for the future of the Canadiens.

On the set of the show L'Antichambre yesterday, Vincent Damphousse made a case for it. According to him, Kent Hughes must extend Slafkovsky's contract during the offseason, as the young man's performances have convinced him that the risk is worth it.

According to him, it would be more dangerous to sign him for a short term due to the salary cap going up over the next few years, which would coincide with a higher salary for him, especially if he continues to produce and progress.

Recall that Slaf will be in the last year of his NHL entry contract next year, meaning he would have the opportunity to boost his personal stats, which would directly impact his next deal.

However, by signing him this summer, the Canadiens' general manager could bank on Slafkovsky's development to offer him a significant eight-year deal with a big salary right away, in order to limit the substantial increase he could demand if he were to finish the next campaign with, say, 25 goals and 70 points.

A salary around $7 to $7.5 million, for eight years, would be the kind of contract that could age very well for the Habs. At the age of 22-23, with such a salary and the production he would have by then, he could become a solid long-term bargain, especially considering the rise in the salary cap.