Juraj Slafkovsky says money is no longer the priority for Montreal Canadiens players chasing their first Stanley Cup together.
The Canadiens have built a young core (youngest team in the NHL) around Slafkovsky ($7.6 million AAV), Nick Suzuki ($7.875 million), Cole Caufield ($7.85 million), Lane Hutson ($8.85 million) and Ivan Demidov ($9.15 million). Several players have accepted long-term deals that preserve flexibility around the roster.
Meanwhile, players around the NHL are signing contracts that exceed $15 million annually in 2026.
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Speaking in Russian about Montreal’s contract approach, Slafkovsky said the team’s shared ambition matters more than individual earnings.
“It’s not really about the money for anyone there (in Montreal),” Slafkovsky said. “We all have the same goal on that team.”
Slafkovsky acknowledged that the players already have enough financial security to focus elsewhere.
“Nobody really cares about the money at this point,” Slafkovsky said. “I mean, all those contracts that the guys have, or even I personally have, it’s already made our lives easier enough. Nobody really needs more than that.”
That mindset could matter as Montreal’s young core enters its competitive window. The Canadiens reached the Eastern Conference Final last season, showing their rebuild has moved into a new phase.
Slafkovsky believes the group has a clear target. He said, “We’d rather just focus on collecting those rings. That’s a much bigger number, and I don’t think any amount of money can top that.”
Montreal Canadiens’ structure gives the core a chance to compete
Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens left wing Juraj Slafkovsky (20) looks on during the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
The Canadiens have benefited from securing key players during a time when the NHL’s rising salary cap pushes contract values higher. That approach gives general manager Kent Hughes more room to build around the core.
Slafkovsky’s comments suggest players understand that dynamic. Individual contracts remain important, but roster depth can become a major advantage during a long playoff run.
Montreal’s recent progress supports that approach. Suzuki emerged as a major offensive leader, scoring 101 points, while Caufield provides finishing ability evident in his 51-goal season, and Hutson drives play from the blue line.
Demidov also gives Montreal another young scoring option. Slafkovsky’s own development adds size and power to a forward group built around several different skill sets.
So, from a team-building perspective, shared financial expectations can help preserve depth. Stars taking reasonable deals allow management to spend on complementary players when injuries or playoff weaknesses appear.
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The Canadiens still need to prove they can finish the job. A conference final appearance raises expectations, but the next step requires winning four more games in the postseason.
Slafkovsky’s message is that Montreal’s young core wants championships, not bigger individual contracts. That shared goal could become one of the team’s biggest advantages.
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