Juraj Slafkovsky featured in recent 32 Thoughts from Elliotte Friedman

The 32 Thoughts brand from Elliotte Friedman will have a different look this season with the departure of Jeff Marek from Sportsnet. Friedman has been enjoying some well-needed time off for most of the Summer, but the recent influx of news and a European NHL Media Tour has put him back into the spotlight. He was also the man to break the news that the Canadiens acquired Patrik Laine last week. The podcast may look different without Marek, but Friedman is still releasing what made the brand prominent: his (somewhat) weekly article. This week's version will give Montreal Canadiens fans something to enjoy.

Friedman's journey to Europe allowed him to meet Juraj Slafkovsky at his gym. Slafkovsky trains with fellow NHLer Erik Cernak at Get Results Gym in Kosice, Slovakia. The pair work out with the same trainer, and Friedman notes that Slakovsky is beginning to look more massive as he attempts to add muscle to his frame. Friedman also shared a quote from Slafkovsky about the upcoming season.

“I was more confident because I knew what people expected from me,” he said, having learned “how competitive the league is, every game. You have to fight for your spot every day, because one day you will wake up and you won't be in the same place as yesterday.”

Friedman also alluded to having an extended conversation with Slafkovsky, which will be part of an interview on a future broadcast. He also shared a funny story about insider information from the Canadiens dressing room. Slafkovsky likes Louis Vitton, and his teammates like to joke about it at his expense.

Sometimes you hear a story and think, “There’s no way this is true,” but get rewarded. Apparently, teammates were all over Slafkovsky about owning two Louis Vuitton bags, saying he needed the bonus from scoring 20 goals to afford more. “I have two bags from that brand and now everyone thinks I only get bags from that brand,” he said, rolling his eyes at the memory. I was hearing that for the next two weeks.”

Friedman's 32 Thoughts article is always a must-read for hockey fans, but this week's edition should be on your Monday morning procrastination to-do list if you're a fan of the Montreal Canadiens.