Checking in on Slafkovsky, Nemec, Cooley, Wright and the Other Top 2022 NHL Draft Picks

A little over two years since the 2022 Draft wrapped up, let's take a look at how some of the top picks have done so far.

The 2022 NHL Draft was a significant one, as it marked the first in-person draft since 2019 in Vancouver. The 2020 and 2021 Drafts were held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic that disrupted not only the hockey world, but the entire planet. It was also noteworthy for Montreal Canadiens fans as it took place in Montreal with their team holding the first-overall pick.

New general manager Kent Hughes made a splash at the podium, too, selecting Slovak winger Juraj Slafkovsky instead of the almost consensus first-overall pick Shane Wright. After Slafkovsky was selected, everyone was anticipating the New Jersey Devils to take Wright, but they opted to grab another Slovak in defender Simon Nemec. Then it was the Arizona Coyotes on the clock at third - surely they would take Wright, right? wrong. They instead went for top American center Logan Cooley, leaving the Kraken to finally select Wright fourth. The Flyers rounded out the top five by picking Cutter Gauthier, who is no longer with the organization. In fact, two of the top 10 (the other being Matt Savoie) have been traded since.

All in all, it was a drama-filled top of the draft that has already changed a few teams for the better. So, like my colleague Mark Scheig did for the 2023 Draft, with almost two years in the books since the festivities in the city of champions, let’s look at how some of the top picks are doing to this point in their NHL careers - along with a couple of second-round selections that are making an early impact with their respective teams.

Setting the Scene

To date, 33 players drafted in 2022 have appeared in at least one NHL game. Twenty of them were first-round picks, working out to an impressive 62.5 percent of the opening round. Only one of the top 15 has not had the privilege of taking part in the rookie skate, that being the Columbus Blue Jackets’ 12th pick Denton Mateychuk (although that is probably coming pretty soon).

In this check-in, we are going to focus on players from the first round that have suited up for at least 25 games at the NHL level, looking at their development so far, what role they are playing on their current team and their potential ceiling in the coming seasons.

Juraj Slafkovsky, 1st Overall Montreal Canadiens

Slafkovsky made the Canadiens’ roster as an 18-year-old in 2022-23 and unfortunately suffered a season-ending injury 39 games into his rookie campaign. He finished with four goals and 10 points, and showed flashes of why he was selected first overall. He recovered from the injury and proceeded to have a sophomore surge in 2023-24, breaking out to the tune of 20 goals and 50 points. He also showed chemistry with sniper Cole Caufield and captain Nick Suzuki on the top line, using his power forward frame to dish out 152 hits alongside those 20 goals. As of Nov. 27, 2024, he leads his draft class in games played (139), goals (25), assists (46), points (71), and penalty minutes (94).

How is Slafkovsky faring? He’s developing nicely so far and is looking like he was the right choice for Hughes as the first overall pick. The 2023-24 season showcased what he could do in a major offensive role, establishing himself as a key piece of the core they are trying to build around in Montreal. The Canadiens locked him up to an eight-year extension early in the summer, so they are clearly banking on him to lead the way.

Juraj Slafkovsky, Montreal Canadiens (Jess Starr / The Hockey Writers)

What is Slafkovsky’s role? He is one of the Canadiens’ top wingers and drivers of their offensive attack. He hasn’t been able to replicate his sophomore season so far with only two goals in 19 games, but considering his talent, he should break out of that slump sooner rather than later.

What is Slafkovsky’s upside? Despite the slump he is in right now, Slafkovsky has the potential to be a perennial 30-goal scorer and maybe even hit 40 in his prime. His shot and willingness to go to the net using his 6-foot-3, 238-pound frame should translate to a lot of offence once he and the Canadiens hit their full stride.

Simon Nemec, 2nd Overall New Jersey Devils