The first overall winner of the last National League Draft, Juraj Slafkovsky, wants to start his professional career in North America directly in the National Hockey League (NHL).

With a week to go before Montreal Canadiens rookie camp, the Slovakian is aiming to impress the Belle Province side enough to take a leading role in Martin St-Louis’ lineup during training camp and early in the season. However, the 18-year-old athlete has not drawn up a concrete plan with those responsible at CH regarding his progress.

“Camp starts next week and [le plan] will follow from there. It’s all a question of how ready I’ll be, said the giant forward, whose remarks were picked up by Montreal Hockey Now Tuesday in Pennsylvania on the sidelines of a day of activities organized by the National Hockey League Players Association. Hopefully I’m ready enough, we’ll see.”

If Jeff Gorton, Kent Hughes and St-Louis think staying in the American League with the Laval Rocket is the best option for Slafkovsky’s development, the principal concerned won’t oppose it, even if it’s not his preferred Option.

The Canadian also benefits from this option as Slafkovsky comes from a European league, unlike players who are drafted from the junior ranks and have to return there if dropped from their team, into the Bettman circle.

“I’m trying to do everything in my power to play in the NHL, but of course I’ll do what Montreal tells me and what they think is best for me,” added Slafkovsky.

The winger also wanted to acclimate as much as possible to the city of Montreal over the summer, which he spent most of his time there. He’s even frequently rubbed shoulders with the club’s current players, as well as other hopefuls.

“I dated Nick Suzuki a little bit, I played a three-on-three game with Josh Anderson, but it was mostly us young guys hanging out. People like Filip Mesar, Kaiden Guhle, Arber Xhekaj, we even watched a soccer game [du CF Montréal]’ Slafkowski concluded.