Grading the Montreal Canadiens’ 2022 NHL Draft

Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images1st overall - Juraj Slafkovský

Grade: A

The Montreal Canadiens liked what they saw in their evaluation of Slafkovský and took him at number one. He’s a big, strong, puck-carrying player with good hands and a strong work ethic whose trajectory grew the longer the season progressed.

There is a lot to like about Slafkovský, and the main thing for me is his level of play in the home plate area where his skill with the puck and size will be invaluable.

Slafkovský’s confidence was on full display a week before the draft as he boldly stated that he’d be a good fit with Cole Caufiled and Nick Suzuki, and he quickly endeared himself to the Montreal fans with quotes and…