Detroit Red Wings goaltender James Reimer (47) makes a save against Montreal Canadiens' Juraj Slafkovsky (20) during second period NHL hockey action against Detroit Red Wings in Montreal on Tuesday, April 16, 2024. Slafkovsky got a Canada Day payday. The Canadiens signed the forward to an eight-year, US$60.8 million contract extension beginning in 2025-26. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christinne Muschi
Detroit Red Wings goaltender James Reimer (47) makes a save against Montreal Canadiens' Juraj Slafkovsky (20) during second period NHL hockey action against Detroit Red Wings in Montreal on Tuesday, April 16, 2024. Slafkovsky got a Canada Day payday. The Canadiens signed the forward to an eight-year, US$60.8 million contract extension beginning in 2025-26. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christinne Muschi
BROSSARD, Que. - Juraj Slafkovsky got a Canada Day payday.
The Montreal Canadiens signed the forward to an eight-year, US$60.8-million contract extension beginning in 2025-26.
The deal for the six-foot-three, 230-pound winger inked Monday as NHL free agency opened carries an average annual value of $7.6 million.
Slafkovsky, who put pen to paper the first day he was eligible for a maximum-term agreement, had 20 goals and 50 points in 82 games with the Canadiens in 2023-24.
Selected first overall at the 2022 NHL draft, Slafkovsky became first player in franchise history to record 40 points in a season before age 20 when he collected an assist on March 26 in Colorado.
