Canadiens' Slafkovsky out at least 1 week with upper-body injury

Montreal Canadiens winger Juraj Slafkovsky will be re-evaluated in one week due to an upper-body injury, the team announced Tuesday.

It's unclear exactly how Slafkovsky suffered the ailment.

The 20-year-old has been productive so far, tallying a goal and five assists in six games this season while playing on the top line with Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield.

Kirby Dach took Slafkovsky's place on the top line during Monday's practice and projects to play there when the Canadiens take on the New York Rangers on Tuesday. Additionally, forward Michael Pezzetta will make his season debut.

Montreal also plays the St. Louis Blues on Saturday and the Philadelphia Flyers on Sunday.

The 2022 first overall pick, Slafkovsky enjoyed a breakout 50-point season in 2023-24. He caught fire in the second half with 16 goals and 19 assists in his final 41 games.