Slovakian left winger Juraj Slafkovsky was selected No. 1 overall by the Montreal Canadiens in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft on Thursday.

Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes announced the surprising pick before a packed house in Montreal's own rink. It was the first time since 1985 the NHL draft's host city has also held the first selection. The news of Slafkovsky being chosen was met with visible shock -- and some resounding cheers -- from the assembled fans.

The New Jersey Devils used the second pick on defenseman Simon Nemec. Logan Cooley of the U.S. National Development Program went to the Arizona Coyotes with the No. 3 pick.