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Milano Cortina, Italy – Juraj Slafkovský is carrying the momentum of a breakout NHL season directly onto the Olympic stage. The 21-year-old forward is proving to be a dominant force for Slovakia at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina, showcasing advanced stats that mirror his impressive performance with the Montreal Canadiens. Slafkovský’s strong play is a key factor as Slovakia advances to the semifinals, a feat achieved only once before in an Olympics featuring NHL players – back in 2010 in Vancouver.

Through four games, Slafkovský has amassed seven points (three goals, four assists), including a crucial power-play goal and has fired 20 shots on goal. This offensive output isn’t a sudden surge. it’s a continuation of a season where he’s redefined his role within the Canadiens’ lineup. His success highlights the growing importance of NHL EDGE stats in identifying and understanding player performance, and how that translates to international competition.

Olympic Dominance: A Career Trajectory

Slafkovský’s Olympic prowess isn’t new. He previously scored seven goals in seven games for Slovakia at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, leading the entire tournament in goals and tying for the most points with seven. Now, with ten goals in eleven total Olympic games, he’s establishing himself as a premier international goal scorer. This consistent performance underscores his ability to elevate his game on the biggest stage.

NHL Breakthrough Fueled by Advanced Stats

This Olympic success is directly linked to Slafkovský’s career year with the Montreal Canadiens. He has already established new personal bests in goals (21), power-play goals (10), and power-play points (17) through 57 games this season. What’s particularly noteworthy is that he’s the only NHL player this season to record at least 20 goals, 100 shots on goal (currently at 117), 80 hits (83), and 40 blocked shots (53). This unique combination of offensive output and physical play demonstrates a well-rounded game that’s tough for opponents to contain.

The Canadiens’ coaching staff and analysts have been leveraging NHL EDGE stats – tracking puck and player movement with unprecedented detail – to unlock Slafkovský’s potential. These stats provide insights into his skating speed, positioning, and impact on play, allowing for targeted development and strategic deployment. The results are evident both in Montreal and now, on the Olympic ice.

A Unique Statistical Profile

Slafkovský’s ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game is what sets him apart. He isn’t simply a skilled offensive player; he’s actively involved in the physical aspects of the game, delivering hits and blocking shots. This versatility makes him a valuable asset to both his NHL team and his national team. His 83 hits demonstrate a willingness to engage physically, while his 53 blocked shots demonstrate a commitment to defensive responsibility. These aren’t just numbers; they represent a player who consistently contributes in all three zones.

Slovakia’s advancement to the Olympic semifinals is a testament to Slafkovský’s individual brilliance and the team’s overall performance. The team’s success is a significant moment for Slovakian hockey, building on the foundation laid in Vancouver in 2010. As Slafkovský continues to shine, he’s not only elevating his own game but also inspiring a nation.

Looking ahead, Slafkovský’s continued development will be crucial for both the Canadiens, and Slovakia. His ability to maintain this level of performance throughout the remainder of the Olympic tournament and into the NHL playoffs will be closely watched. The combination of talent, hard work, and data-driven insights positions him for continued success in the years to reach.

What do you think about Slafkovský’s breakout season and Olympic performance? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and be sure to share this article with fellow hockey fans!

Consumers who used Visa or Mastercard debit cards, or Visa, Mastercard, or Discover non-rewards credit cards between 2015 and 2022 may be eligible for a payment from a $17.5 million class action settlement. The settlement relates to allegations against American Express regarding fees charged to merchants, potentially impacting the cost of goods and services for cardholders. Individuals who used non-rewards credit cards in Illinois between 2016 and 2022 may as well qualify for a portion of the funds.

The lawsuit, brought against American Express Company and American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. (referred to as “Amex”), alleged that the company’s merchant agreements included rules preventing businesses from encouraging customers to use payment methods with lower fees. Plaintiffs claimed merchants, to offset Amex’s fees, increased prices for all customers, meaning those not using Amex cards effectively paid a premium. Amex has denied any wrongdoing.

Individuals may have received a court-authorized notice regarding the debit and non-rewards credit card classes (“certified classes”). The case has progressed to the trial phase, with a jury rendering a verdict, and this notification concerns a post-trial settlement reached with Amex.

Who is Covered by the Settlement?

Generally, you are included in the settlement if you fall into one or more of the following categories:

• Debit Card Class: You are a Visa or Mastercard debit cardholder, and you or an authorized user used that debit card to make purchases from qualifying merchants in Alabama, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Kansas, Maine, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oregon, or Utah. Your account address and purchase activity must be in the same state, and for Alabama, the District of Columbia, Maine, North Carolina, Oregon, or Utah, the transactions must have occurred between January 29, 2015, and June 1, 2022. For Kansas, Illinois, or Mississippi, the timeframe is January 29, 2016, to June 1, 2022.
• Non-Rewards Credit Card Class: You are a Visa, Mastercard, or Discover general-purpose credit or charge card holder that does not offer rewards or charge an annual fee, and you or an authorized user used that card to make purchases from qualifying merchants in the District of Columbia, Kansas, or Illinois. Your billing address and purchase activity must be in the same state, and for the District of Columbia, the transactions must have occurred between January 29, 2015, and June 1, 2022. For Kansas or Illinois, the timeframe is January 29, 2016, to June 1, 2022.

More specific information, including a complete list of qualifying merchants and excluded individuals, is available on the settlement website: www.AmexAntitrust.com.

What Compensation is Available?

Amex will contribute $17.5 million to the settlement fund. This amount will cover taxes, notification and administration costs, attorney’s fees and expenses, class representative service awards, other expenses, and distribution to eligible Illinois non-rewards credit card class members.

If you are part of the Illinois non-rewards credit card class – meaning you are a Visa, Mastercard, or Discover cardholder with a card that doesn’t offer rewards or charge an annual fee and used it to make purchases at a qualifying Illinois merchant – you can submit a claim. Your billing address and purchase activity must be in Illinois between January 29, 2016, and June 1, 2022.

How to File a Claim

If you are a member of the Illinois non-rewards credit card class, you must submit a claim form online or by mail by May 19, 2026. If your claim is valid, you will receive a distribution from the settlement fund on a per capita basis (after deductions for expenses). The specific amount you receive will depend on the number of valid and timely claims submitted.

Your Options

If you have not opted out of the settlement, you are bound by the court’s decision. You can object to the settlement by April 29, 2026. Detailed information on how to object is available at www.AmexAntitrust.com.

The court will hold a final hearing on June 17, 2026, to determine whether to approve the settlement and authorize attorney’s fees of up to 33% of the settlement fund, reimbursement of expenses up to $8 million, and class representative service awards. You or your attorney can attend the hearing and speak, but it is not required.

For more information, visit www.AmexAntitrust.com or call 1-877-315-0587.

The outcome of this settlement highlights ongoing scrutiny of credit card interchange fees and their potential impact on consumers. The court’s approval of the settlement, and the final distribution of funds, will be closely watched by both consumers and the financial industry. The final hearing in June will determine the specifics of the payout and associated costs.

Share this information with anyone who may have been affected by these practices. Your comments and questions are welcome below.

Madrid, Spain – Access to homeownership with a mortgage is becoming “critically” difficult in five major Spanish cities – San Sebastián, Madrid, Barcelona, Málaga, and Palma de Mallorca – according to a report released Wednesday by the Tecnocasa-Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF) research center. The findings come as the average mortgage amount in Spain rose 16.8% year-on-year in the second half of 2025, reaching €154,530, while the price of resale homes increased 15.34% to €3,338 per square meter.

The report, titled ‘XLII Informe sobre el mercado de la vivienda’ and ‘Accesibilidad a la compra de vivienda con hipoteca’, indicates that in these five cities, households with median incomes are unable to secure a mortgage covering the average property price. Conversely, Jaén, Palencia, Lleida, and Zamora offer the most accessible housing markets.

Researchers estimate that a household income of €28,388 annually is required to meet the financial obligations of a typical mortgage, based on a 30% debt-to-income ratio. A more conservative estimate, factoring in average household income data from the National Statistics Institute adjusted for the general Consumer Price Index, places the necessary income at €38,334 per year. This translates to a 71% accessibility rating on a scale of 100, indicating a “difficult” level of access.

Barcelona currently has the highest resale property prices, averaging €4,053 per square meter, a 10.05% increase year-on-year. Madrid follows closely with €4,101 per square meter, a more substantial increase of 19.56%. Getafe experienced the largest year-on-year price surge at 20.54%, while Talavera de la Reina (Toledo) remains the most affordable, with prices at €1,073 per square meter.

The study attributes the increasing difficulty in accessing homeownership to a combination of rising demand and limited supply. Demand has increased by 30% in 2025, while the available housing supply has decreased by 16%. This imbalance means that, on average, each property now has seven potential buyers, double the number from two years ago.

Lázaro Cubero, Director of Analysis at Grupo Tecnocasa, stated that the current market favors sellers, with negotiation between buyers and sellers at a historic low of a 6.2% reduction in asking price – a level similar to that seen in 2007. The average time to sell a property has also increased slightly, from 73 days in 2024 to 77 days in 2025, according to Tecnocasa transaction data.

Regarding mortgage risk indicators, the loan-to-value ratio stands at 70% in the second half of 2025. The ratio of monthly mortgage payments to borrower income is 32%. The report also notes that 85% of new mortgage holders have permanent employment contracts, the average mortgage term is under 28 years (compared to 35 years in 2007), and 71% of new mortgages are fixed-rate.

Tecnocasa asserts that these indicators demonstrate stability and align with the credit standards banks are currently applying to mortgage applications.