Former first-overall pick reveals the truth behind the Canadiens underpaying their stars
Photo credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Juraj Slafkovsky is done letting people speculate about locker room tension over money in Montreal.
Speaking after picking up his fourth Slovak Hockey Player of the Year award, the Canadiens winger addressed the growing list of below-market contracts signed by the club's young core, including Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield and Lane Hutson.
It's not really about the money for anyone there (in Montreal). We all have the same goal on that team. Nobody really cares about the money at this point. I mean, all those contracts that the guys have, or even I personally have, it's already made our lives easier enough. Nobody really needs more than that.
Winning Over Wallets
The comments land at a striking moment. Around the NHL, comparable young talent is cashing in on deals exceeding $15 million annually as the salary cap climbs.
Montreal's stars have gone the opposite direction. Suzuki, Caufield and Hutson all signed extensions that keep their cap hits well below market value, giving general manager Kent Hughes room to build out the roster around them.
Slafkovsky himself is under contract at a $7.6 million cap hit through the 2032-33 season, a number that already looks team-friendly after a career year of 30 goals and 73 points in 82 games.
Chasing Rings, Not Numbers
For Slafkovsky, the priority is clear.
We'd rather just focus on collecting those (Stanley Cup) rings, because that's a much bigger number, and I don't think any amount of money can top that.
Montreal reached the Eastern Conference Final last season before falling to Carolina. With a young, hungry core locked in at reasonable prices, the Canadiens look increasingly built for a sustained run at the Cup.
Also read on House Of Hockey :
Canadiens insider Stu Cowan says a fan favorite may need to leave Montreal to finally get his chance
Canadiens insider Stu Cowan says a fan favorite may need to leave Montreal to finally get his chance