“Juraj Slafkovsky is better than the CH thought.”

The 2025-26 season is definitely Juraj Slafkovsky's breakthrough season.

This season, with the Montreal Canadiens, the Slovakian has really taken a big step forward in his game (he has a pace of 64 points, including 30 goals, in 82 games).

What's more, CH (and Slovakian) fans have the chance to see him dominate in the current Olympic Games, and he is a joy to watch play.

Earlier today, my colleague Marc-Olivier Cook reported thatElliotte Friedman had stated that Slafkovsky is the best non-Canadian player in the Olympics.

Let's just say that the Habs must be pretty proud to see him perform so well.

Now Eric Engels has said on The Sick Podcast with Tony Marinaro that the Slovakian is better than the CH thought.

Juraj Slafkovsky may be even better than the Habs thought @EricEngels: “The mindset that Slafkovsky has is turning him into not only the player the Canadiens hoped he'd be… but perhaps something even better than that.” #thesickpodcast @GaumondShayne pic.twitter.com/E9L61w1fUM

— The Sick Podcast with Tony Marinaro (@thesickpodcasts) February 17, 2026

That's quite a statement, though.

First of all, Slaf was the first overall pick in the draft, which makes the statement quite impressive. Still, it took a few years before he performed up to expectations.

After all, that's perfectly normal, since he was only 18 when he arrived in the NHL, and we know that a player of his stature can take longer to find his stride.

But this season, most of Slafkovsky's detractors have fallen silent after seeing his performances, both in the NHL and at the Olympics.

Even his teammates in Montreal are impressed with his performances this season, but they are not surprised to see him perform so well at the Olympics. The NHL website reported this earlier today.

It's safe to say that in Montreal, practically everyone is happy to finally see Slaf blossom.

In quick succession

– Is there really a better catch than Coleman and Kadri for the CH?

Pierre LeBrun: Re Canadiens: In terms of a Blake Coleman or Nazem Kadri, is there anything else bigger than that in terms of top six options – Basu & Godin (2/9)

— NHL Rumor Report (@NHLRumorReport) February 18, 2026

— The stage is set.

The quarterfinal schedule for tomorrow is #MilanoCortinaOlympics2026

(Eastern Time)

Slovakia vs. Germany – 6:10am
Canada vs. Czech Republic – 10:40am
Finland vs. Switzerland – 12:10pm
United States vs. Sweden – 3:10pm

— Stephane Leroux (@StephRDSJunior) February 18, 2026

The revelation of the Olympics so far has to be Italian goalie and 2023 Anaheim Ducks 2nd round draft pick, Damian Clara pic.twitter.com/COsRLEbeo3

— HFTV (@HFTVSports) February 18, 2026

— Must read.

The bosses in Boston talk way too much. https://t.co/0yVBAyuo5R

— Passion MLB (@passion_mlb) February 18, 2026

Jonathan Marchessault prefers the Quebec City Pee-Wee Tournament to palm trees. [JdM]