The Slovak Ice Hockey Federation released their preliminary roster for the rescheduled 2022 IIHF World Junior Championship, and Montreal Canadiens prospects Juraj Slafkovský and Filip Mešár were both absent from the list. When contacted, my colleague Matej Deraj — journalist for Slovak outlet Denník Šport and Slovakia regional scout for McKeen’s Hockey — indicated that “Slafkovský is almost sure not to play and Mešár’s start is “not recommended by the Habs.”
Deraj further said that neither is likely to suit up in their national colours come August, although the Slovak Ice Hockey Federation is still hoping to reach an agreement that would permit Mešár’s involvement.