Photo credit: Sxcreenshot
This is a decision that’s raising eyebrows among many observers on the eve of the Olympic tournament, involving Montreal Canadiens forward Juraj Slafkovsky.
Insider Chris Johnston confirmed that veteran Tomas Tatar will wear the captain’s “C” for the competition in Milan.
Many expected Slafkovsky to be named captain, but up to that point, no real issue.
However, it’s at the assistant level where the real chatter begins.
To support Tatar, the federation selected two defensemen: Erik Cernak and Martin Fehervary, who will serve as alternates.
Let’s be honest: seeing Juraj Slafkovsky overlooked for one of the three leadership roles is surprising, given his crucial importance to the team.
“Tomas Tatar has been named captain of Slovakia for the Milan Olympics, with Erik Cernak and Martin Fehervary serving as alternate captains.”
– Chris Johnston
Journalist Nicolas Cloutier of TVA Sports also pointed out the oddity of the situation, reminding everyone that Slafkovsky acted as the leader of this national team when he was just 18 years old.
A complex relationship with the federation for Juraj Slafkovsky?
Let’s tell it like it is: this exclusion inevitably raises questions about the relationship between the Canadiens forward and Slovak hockey officials.
It’s worth remembering that Slafkovsky did not hesitate in the past to publicly criticize certain practices of his national federation, notably calling out a lack of professionalism.
Did that courageous stance cost him a letter on his jersey today?
The question has to be asked.
“How can we explain the fact that Juraj Slafkovsky doesn’t have a letter on his jersey, even though he was already a leader for Slovakia at age 18?”
– Nicolas Cloutier
While Tomas Tatar is a logical choice given his seniority and the respect he commands in the locker room, Slafkovsky’s absence among the alternates, in favor of players like Cernak and Fehervary, could be interpreted as a message or a consequence of his past media comments.
Either way, letter or no letter, Slafkovsky will have to carry the Slovak offense on his shoulders if they hope to pull off a surprise in Milan.
Previously on Montreal Hockey Fanatics
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Juraj Slafkovsky passed over as Team Slovakia announces first decision ahead of opener
Did Juraj Slafkovsky’s past criticisms of his federation influence this decision?