Slafkovsky, Guhle, Xhekaj make Canadiens roster to open season

Sportsnet Staff @SportsnetOctober 10, 2022 - 6:54pm

Montreal Canadiens rookie Juraj Slafkovsky says he was told that making the roster doesn't guarantee staying with the team, and will try to prove he belongs with them.

Juraj Slafkovsky, the first-overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft, will start the season with the Montreal Canadiens.

Guhle, Xhekaj, Harris and Slafkovsky were all called into a meeting and told together that they’ve made the Canadiens. They were also told there are many good players who could make staying hard, and that things could shift quickly.

— Eric Engels (@EricEngels) October 10, 2022

Defencemen Kaiden Guhle, Arber Xhekaj and Jordan Harris will also begin the regular season with the Canadiens.

Montreal assigned Xhekaj for salary cap reasons and will recall him once they place Paul Byron on long-term injured reserve. Xhekaj will then be recalled and available to play in their season opener.

I believe this is just daily cap management and that Xhekaj will remain with the Canadiens.

— Eric Engels (@EricEngels) October 10, 2022

Slafkovsky, 18, was named MVP at the 2022 Olympic Games after scoring seven goals in seven games with Slovakia. Slafkovsky also represented his country at the world championship, recording three goals and six assists in nine games.

The Canadiens open their regular season at home against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Wednesday night.

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