Slaf went to see the Americans practicing… And Zegras took the opportunity to give him a hug!

Juraj Slafkovsky will be defending Slovakia’s colors at the World Championships.

The young man has arrived on site, and he looks happy to be there.

It must be great to be back with his compatriots:

Juraj Slafkovsky at the Team
Slovakia training camp today for the upcoming World Championships. pic.twitter.com/2rBvTQEM0c

– /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) May 6, 2024

At the tournament, the Slovaks will cross swords with the Americans, and it’s going to be special because Slaf will have the chance to play against Cole Caufield.

The two played on the same line for most of last season in Montreal… But playing one against the other is different.

Slaf went to see Caufield at the Americans’ practice this morning, and it led to a rather unexpected scene.

I say that because Trevor Zegras greeted the Habs player with a hug, as if they’d been chums for years.

Clearly, the two guys have great chemistry:

Juraj Slafkovský has Trevor Zegras. Budúci spoluhráči? pic.twitter.com/WWtHjdQsEy

– Martin Toth-Vaňo (@Totik96) May 6, 2024

Obviously, there are ties between Zegras and the Habs because we’ve been talking for months about the possibility of him ending up in Montreal.

But there’s one thing we agree on: just because a Habs player spends time with another player doesn’t mean he’s going to play for the Habs at all costs.

Remember last summer, when Dubois was the talk of the town and was spotted chatting with Cole Caufield on a boat?

Jack Hughes was there too:

Cole Caufield and Pierre-Luc Dubois spending time together.
: ColeCaufield (IG) pic.twitter.com/ogz3W45IFP

– TVA Sports (@TVASports) June 18, 2023

All in all, it’s cool to see because it shows just how much brotherhood there is in the National League.

The guys want to have fun at the end of the day, and that’s just fine.

Still, with all that’s been said about Zegras playing for the Habs… It seems like the timing of his hug with Slaf is weird.

Even if it might mean nothing at the end of the day.

Breaking news

– The lottery will be at 6:30 tomorrow night.

NHL announces the draft lottery will be held at 6:30 p.m. ET tomorrow.

– Arpon Basu (@ArponBasu) May 6, 2024

– Moving forward.

Utah has announced plans to construct a practice rink that will feature at least two NHL-standard ice sheets that’s due to be completed ahead of the 2025-26 season. The building will alsoserve as the team’s official offices.

– Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) May 6, 2024

– No surprises here.

Jeremy Swayman vs @FlaPanthers @NHLBruins @TVASports

– Renaud Lavoie (@renlavoietva) May 6, 2024

– Great read on Stamkos’ future in Tampa.

#tblightning wants to re-sign captain Steven Stamkos.

But how much can they afford to offer?

My collaboration with @hayyyshayyy on contract projections for Stamkos. His market value, contract comps. What teams would have to pay for pending UFA. https://t.co/rqt0DHvXhg

– Joe Smith (@JoeSmithNHL) May 6, 2024

– Remember that he wants to play with his son.

LeBron James may not leave the Lakers. He may not even return to the game. But if he does opt for free agency, here are five teams he could land with and why they make sense.@zulfi_sheikh has the story. https://t.co/bR2406ZZ3N

– Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) May 6, 2024