The Montreal Canadiens have witnessed a significant breakthrough from their 2022 first-overall draft pick, Juraj Slafkovsky, who has established himself as the team's most dominant player throughout the month of December. His exceptional performance was recognized league-wide when he was named the NHL's third star of the week on Monday, December 30th.
The Kid Line's Driving Force
Now in his fourth NHL season, the 21-year-old Slovakian winger has found a new gear after being placed on a line with two rookies, Ivan Demidov and Oliver Kapanen. While Slafkovsky previously benefited from playing alongside established stars like captain Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield, he has now become the primary catalyst on the so-called 'Kid Line.' Despite his youth, the 6-foot-3, 225-pound forward has assumed a leadership role, guiding his less-experienced linemates by example.
Defenceman Noah Dobson highlighted the change in Slafkovsky's game, noting, "He is getting more puck touches in the offensive zone... He's controlling the play." This assessment was echoed by head coach Martin St. Louis, who observed a major evolution in the young forward's game. "I find the game has really slowed down for him. His reads are so much clearer. He's using his body, using his shot more," St. Louis said.
A Dominant December Performance
The statistics from the final month of 2025 underscore Slafkovsky's impact. Heading into a Tuesday night game against the Florida Panthers on December 31st, he had compiled 15 points in 14 December games, including three goals and seven points in his last three contests. For the season, he has played in all 38 of Montreal's games, recording 13 goals and 28 points.
His most impressive outing came in a dramatic 5-4 shootout loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning on Sunday. Slafkovsky spearheaded a third-period comeback from a 3-0 deficit, scoring two goals and adding an assist, including the game-tying marker with just four seconds remaining in regulation. He finished the game with five shots on goal and was a central figure in the rally. "I want to have an impact," Slafkovsky stated after the game. "I feel like I'm going in the right direction."
Linemates Thriving Alongside Him
Slafkovsky's elevated play has had a direct and positive effect on his rookie linemates. Oliver Kapanen, 22, has recorded a goal and four points in his last four games, while 20-year-old Ivan Demidov has three goals and six points in his last three. Both players held a plus-5 rating during that recent stretch, indicating the line's effectiveness at both ends of the ice.
Meanwhile, the Canadiens' top line of Suzuki and Caufield has seen a slight dip in production. Coach St. Louis made a adjustment in practice, replacing Zachary Bolduc with Alexandre Texier on that unit, seeking more consistency in winning battles and maintaining offensive zone possession.
As the Canadiens look to build momentum, the emergence of Juraj Slafkovsky as a bona fide power forward and leader provides a cornerstone for the franchise's future. His December dominance, culminating in NHL recognition, signals that the player they envisioned with the first overall pick is arriving as a central force for Montreal.
