Juraj Slafkovský remains top 2022 NHL draft pick in re-evaluation

Analyst Corey Pronman of The Athletic conducted a re-evaluation of the 2022 NHL Draft, concluding that Slovak forward Juraj Slafkovský would still be the number one overall pick four years later. Pronman designated Slafkovský, who plays for the Montreal Canadiens, as the only player from that draft class to earn an “all-star” designation in his assessment.

Other notable shifts in the re-draft include Lane Hutson, who was originally selected 62nd by Montreal but would now be chosen third. Logan Cooley is projected as the player following Slafkovský in this updated ranking.

Meanwhile, Slafkovský is spending his off-season in Košice, Slovakia, training with HC Košice. The 22-year-old, who recently received his fourth award as the best Slovak hockey player, expressed satisfaction with his health following the previous season and discussed his preparation for the upcoming NHL year and future Olympic goals.