A gift from Chris to Juraj

MONTREAL -- It was a gesture of remarkable leadership and generosity.

SHOP: Slafkovsky No. 20 jersey
When Chris Wideman learned from a friend that Juraj Slafkovsky was attached to the No. 20 he wears with the Slovakian national team, the veteran defenseman happily began the process of relinquishing the digits.
Wideman immediately contacted the Habs' head equipment manager, Patrick Langlois, to help transfer his number to the first overall pick.
So, what prompted the blueliner to make the move?
"First and foremost, we're trying to create an environment and a culture where he feels welcome with the team," explained Wideman, who switched to No. 6 for next season. "He's a young guy, and I wanted to make sure that he knows that we're excited to have him and we're going to make it a place where he can reach his potential and become a really good player in this League."

The 18-year-old winger was "shocked" last Friday night when he found out that he'd be sporting his favorite number.
Slafkovsky was out with friends in Kosice as the news was revealed via the Canadiens' social media platforms.
"I just checked my phone and I saw the picture on Instagram. It was unbelievable," said Slafkovsky. "It's really special. It's not always like that when you come to the NHL and you're young. You don't always get your number. When I saw that he gave it to me, I was like, 'Wow!' It's just another great thing."
The top prospect quickly texted Wideman to express his appreciation, and the pair exchanged a few messages.
Talk about a unique introduction to one another…
"He was very thankful for the jersey number. I'm glad that he's excited about it. It makes for a cool story," said Wideman. "I just congratulated him on being the first pick and reiterated how excited we are for him to be on the team and that we're looking forward to playing with him. It's going to be a lot of fun."

As far as Slafkovsky compensating Wideman for the number is concerned, a deal was struck.
Let's just say that the rearguard's seven-month-old son, Henry, will be receiving a special gift soon.
"For me at the end of the day, all I asked is that he would sign a Canadiens jersey for my son so that he has it as a piece of memorabilia," shared Wideman, who wasn't about to request an extravagant gift like the ones commonly purchased under these circumstances. "I wanted to make him feel comfortable and a jersey will be more than enough."
Slafkovsky is also planning on inviting his new teammate out for dinner when the two finally connect on this side of the pond, which should be a blast.
They can even reminisce about the Draft because Wideman was at the Bell Centre for the event and witnessed the historic selection in person.
"Everybody's excited to meet the first round pick, but when he's first overall, it's something special. Just being able to be there that night, it was a really cool experience," added Wideman. "All the guys are going to go out of their way to make sure that he's comfortable and ready to be a big part of our team. We're going to create an environment and a place for him to be the player that he was drafted to be."

Slafkovsky, meanwhile, expects to return to Montreal in mid-August to train at the Bell Sports Complex.
He's eagerly anticipating the trip that will officially start a new chapter in his career.
"Montreal feels like a second home, and for sure it will be," said Slafkovsky. "I'm looking forward to wearing the jersey. I'm thinking about that every day. I just can't wait until I'm there and things are happening."