Prospect Info: [2022 - 1st OA] Juraj Slafkovsky (LW) Part 2

[BaseballCoach]

It's the baseline they have and at least they can move Slaf between NHL, AHL and ECHL if they need to. But if a player earns their way during training camp, then you give them that opportunity.. exactly what happened with Rantanen.

Exactly. I don't buy Hoffman or Armia or Drouin being "entitled" to be kept in Montreal if they suck at camp, over Slafkovsky if he is very good at camp.

I don't want Slaf to be the 13th or 14th F, that would be a waste of time. However if he is top 12, you waive or trade someone else who is less worthy, period.

 

[Xirik]

Those Devils fans saying that Jack's first year in the NHL was wasted are contradicting themselves when the stated reason was that he realized he was playing too fancy.

He might indeed have been playing too fancy, and that is why he needed to be in the NHL to learn that lesson.

Postponing his entry just would have postponed the lesson, and possibly ensured one year MORE of bad habits to break.

While the USDP is great at developing players I do think that the NCCA is definitely a step up league wise. I believe he would have learned that lesson while being able to "Beef up" with training. Its incredibly hard for players to get physically stronger during the NHL season because of the very tight schedule.

 

[Kennerback]

Exactly. I don't buy Hoffman or Armia or Drouin being "entitled" to be kept in Montreal if they suck at camp, over Slafkovsky if he is very good at camp.

I don't want Slaf to be the 13th or 14th F, that would be a waste of time. However if he is top 12, you waive or trade someone else who is less worthy, period.

I think Slafkovsky needs to play minutes in a legitimate role. If he easily secures a Top-6 role at camp (which I think will be the case), he should stay. If I’m wrong as I’ve often been, then we need to see each situation on it’s merits.

If he‘s in the stands as a 13 or 14th forward he has no business In Montreal. If he’s a 4th liner, it depends if the coach rolls 4 lines or not. If the coach doesn’t, he’s better having regular minutes in Laval. Also, I would add that if he’s in a 100% defensive role on the 3rd line and he brings no value added over other potential 3rd Liners, he’s better off playing quality minutes in Laval.

Maybe Galchenyuk and KK would have been sent down to Laval a part of their 2 first seasons in Montreal under those criteria, I don’t remember. But I think Slafkovsky is much better than the 2 others. And he’s good enough that he‘ll succeed even if the team does everything wrong with his development.

 

[L4br3cqu3]

Exactly. I don't buy Hoffman or Armia or Drouin being "entitled" to be kept in Montreal if they suck at camp, over Slafkovsky if he is very good at camp.

I don't want Slaf to be the 13th or 14th F, that would be a waste of time. However if he is top 12, you waive or trade someone else who is less worthy, period.

While, to me, it remains to be seen if Slafkovsky can, first of all, be confident with the NHL speed, I also don't want him to have minimal icetime to 'shelter' him if he does.

But, if he's confident enough (seems it's a big part of his intangibles), I don't doubt one bit HuGo will be proactive about shipping those veterans off, or even putting them on waivers, Hughes even said that for next season, cap space wasn't too important, so they may as well ship them to Laval. We're past the Bergevin mindset, fortunately.

 

[BaseballCoach]

If he‘s in the stands as a 13 or 14th forward he has no business In Montreal.

Obviously.

If he’s a 4th liner, it depends if the coach rolls 4 lines or not. If the coach doesn’t, he’s better having regular minutes in Laval.

The way MSL plays, he will get minutes even on the fourth line.

Also, I would add that if he’s in a 100% defensive role on the 3rd line and he brings no value added over other potential 3rd Liners, he’s better off playing quality minutes in Laval.

I agree, but the coaches will not put an 18 year old in a strict defensive role. For what purpose?

 

[Montreal Impact FC]

To be fair he is much more impressive physically than those non Jagr guys at the same age. That being said, I find that Armia had better hockey IQ without the puck at the same age (and people tend to forget that Armia was considered one of the best snipers of his draft class).


I think you and I agreed that MTL should have gone with another pick but now that he is here I d definitely prefer to see him in Laval where MTL can fully control his development and get him accustomed to North America rather than in Liiga.

Thing with Armia his personality is the COMPLETE opposite to Juraj's like night and day..

ARMIA lives in his shell despite an amazing package of skills and physicality Slaf is a monster.. who drives on being on the spotlight..

Does it mean Slaf will succeed? No. But there is a good foundation caracter wise to keep improving and playing with mojo most often then not.

Armia needs a full moon to perform like a beast.. it usually last a few games them vanishes like he doesnt exist for a few months. Its sad really.

 

[Kennerback]

I agree, but the coaches will not put an 18 year old in a strict defensive role. For what purpose?

I think it serves no purpose, but I’ve seen it before.

 

[BaseballCoach]

I think it serves no purpose, but I’ve seen it before.

3rd line maybe, but strict defensive role?? When?

The Galchenyuk-Eller-Gallagher line was a 3rd line, but not a defensive line. Plekanec had the main defensive load.

 

[26Mats]

Thing with Armia his personality is the COMPLETE opposite to Juraj's like night and day..

ARMIA lives in his shell despite an amazing package of skills and physicality Slaf is a monster.. who drives on being on the spotlight..

Does it mean Slaf will succeed? No. But there is a good foundation caracter wise to keep improving and playing with mojo most often then not.

Armia needs a full moon to perform like a beast.. it usually last a few games them vanishes like he doesnt exist for a few months. Its sad really.

Armia lacks tenacity most of the time, but he also lacks hockey sense.

Let's hope Slaf doesn't!!!!!

 

[schwang26]

Armia lacks tenacity most of the time, but he also lacks hockey sense.

Let's hope Slaf doesn't!!!!!

I have to disagree. Maybe he lacks some offensive instincts, but he amazes me with the way he steals pucks. You absolutely need hockey sense for that.

 

[Kennerback]

3rd line maybe, but strict defensive role?? When?

The Galchenyuk-Eller-Gallagher line was a 3rd line, but not a defensive line. Plekanec had the main defensive load.

I would qualify Slaf’s usage in Liigaa that way. His line’s role was not to get scored on.

 

[MasterD]

Anderson-Suzuki-Caufield
Dadonov-Dach-Monahan
Hoffman-Dvorak-Gallagher
Byron-Evans-Pitlick
Drouin
Armia

I honestly don't know how Slafkovski can make the top 6 on this team, considering the contracts situation. And his lack of production overseas. and our need to finish bottom of the league,

I'm thinking he's sent to Laval to dominate. Perhaps brought in the NHL during the season if we can trade guys away, or injuries.

Gonna be an interesting year, big puzzle.

 

[Boss Man Hughes]

Anderson-Suzuki-Caufield
Dadonov-Dach-Monahan
Hoffman-Dvorak-Gallagher
Byron-Evans-Pitlick
Drouin
Armia

I honestly don't know how Slafkovski can make the top 6 on this team, considering the contracts situation. And his lack of production overseas. and our need to finish bottom of the league,

I'm thinking he's sent to Laval to dominate. Perhaps brought in the NHL during the season if we can trade guys away, or injuries.

Gonna be an interesting year, big puzzle.

Delete

 

[BaseballCoach]

Anderson-Suzuki-Caufield
Dadonov-Dach-Monahan
Hoffman-Dvorak-Gallagher
Byron-Evans-Pitlick
Drouin
Armia

I honestly don't know how Slafkovski can make the top 6 on this team, considering the contracts situation. And his lack of production overseas. and our need to finish bottom of the league,

If you think Slaf will lack production, you of all people should want him to play in the NHL so that you have a better chance to get your wish of finishing bottom in the league.

However, I don't think you are trying to be logical at all, just grasping at any argument to keep Slaf away from the NHL,because that's what you decided you wanted.

 

[26Mats]

I have to disagree. Maybe he lacks some offensive instincts, but he amazes me with the way he steals pucks. You absolutely need hockey sense for that.

True! He has hockey sense along the wall and at stealing pucks. He doesn't for creating and finishing plays. He has tunnel vision.

 

[BaseballCoach]

Anderson-Suzuki-Caufield
Dadonov-Dach-Monahan
Hoffman-Dvorak-Gallagher
Byron-Evans-Pitlick
Drouin
Armia

I honestly don't know how Slafkovski can make the top 6 on this team, considering the contracts situation.

Out of the seven overpriced forwards, only Gallagher's contract prevents him from being sent down (NMC), so I really don't know what you are trying to say. Plus Byron is injured for several more months.

 

[Goldenhands]

Personally I expect Slafkovsky to play on the top 6, I think he will be ready to have an impact on most shifts but it remains to be seen. The extra work he put in this off season training with NHLers should help him alot to adjust well.

I could see him with Suzuki and Caufield or with Dach and Monohan.

Im expecting both Slaf and Heineman to be stand out for the next camp. Im also expecting Mesar, Ylonen, Barron, Guhle, Xhekaj and Norlinder to do well.

Slaf Suzuki Caufield
or
Slaf Monohan Dach

 

[SlafySZN]

Personally I expect Slafkovsky to play on the top 6, I think he will be ready to have an impact on most shifts but it remains to be seen. The extra work he put in this off season training with NHLers should help him alot to adjust well.

I could see him with Suzuki and Caufield or with Dach and Monohan.

Im expecting both Slaf and Heineman to be stand out for the next camp. Im also expecting Mesar, Ylonen, Barron, Guhle, Xhekaj and Norlinder to do well.

Slaf Suzuki Caufield
or
Slaf Monohan Dach

Sad that we already have too many forwards because i really think Heineman could be good enough for a spot.

 

[MasterD]

If you think Slaf will lack production, you of all people should want him to play in the NHL so that you have a better chance to get your wish of finishing bottom in the league.

However, I don't think you are trying to be logical at all, just grasping at any argument to keep Slaf away from the NHL,because that's what you decided you wanted.

I'd rather have him develop properly and produce next year (or in 2 years) than waste him away to hope for another high pick.

I think you're just trying to insult me because we disagree. If we hadn't picked up Dadonov, Dach AND Monahan, I'd have him in the starting lineup.

Sad that we already has too many forwards because i really think Heineman could be good enough for a spot.

What makes you think that? From what I've seen and read he sounds like another Ylonen, which is a dime a dozen winger. They might both make the NHL, but doubt they'll make a real difference on a team.

 

[SlafySZN]

I'd rather have him develop properly and produce next year (or in 2 years) than waste him away to hope for another high pick.

I think you're just trying to insult me because we disagree. If we hadn't picked up Dadonov, Dach AND Monahan, I'd have him in the starting lineup.


What makes you think that? From what I've seen and read he sounds like another Ylonen, which is a dime a dozen winger. They might both make the NHL, but doubt they'll make a real difference on a team.

Both Heineman and Ylonen have a great shot but that’s about it for the comparison.

Heineman is faster, bigger, physical, great on the forecheck, protecting the puck. Something Ylonen doesn’t have.

 

[BaseballCoach]

I think you're just trying to insult me because we disagree. If we hadn't picked up Dadonov, Dach AND Monahan, I'd have him in the starting lineup.

Dadonov and Dach are not the problem.

If it turns out that Monahan, Hoffman, Armia and Drouin are all better than Slaf, then it makes sense to send him down.

However, those players, like Slaf and everyone else, should EARN their status.

 

[MasterD]

Dadonov and Dach are not the problem.

If it turns out that Monahan, Hoffman, Armia and Drouin are all better than Slaf, then it makes sense to send him down.

However, those players, like Slaf and everyone else, should EARN their status.

That's not how the NHL works. Guys that male 3+ M$ a year play in the NHL, unless they're injured or Wade Redden or Karl Alzner . Unfortunatley. I'd love To see HuGo send Drouin or Armia in Laval, but that's not happening.

 

[HabzSauce]

He's got a little bit of Messier too in him. They both posted low numbers at 17 years old with a low shooting percentage.

All this talk of messier comparables but all I see is a Lemieux 2.0.

 

[RabbleMasterBlaster]

We can agree that all three of Getzlaf, LeClair and Gillies are absolutely terrible comparables to Slafkovsky. It should be pointed out however that it took Getzlaf 5 years after he was drafted to reach a PPG. Either way he is a bad comparison as he is a pure playmaker and plays a very different style than Slafkovsky.

The Gillies comparison is bizzare as he was one of the most feared fighters in the history of the league and while he was skilled he was mostly the big bruiser on one of the the greatest lines in history that was carried primarily by Bossy and Trottier. LeClair might be the closest of the three but his stats were significantly inflated by playing with Lindros. LeClair was very much a straight line power forward with size, speed and a great shot who stylistically is more similar to Josh Anderson than Juraj Slafkovsky. I was a big fan of all three of these guys but none of them remind me very much of Slafkovsky.

Slafkovsky stylistically tries to play more like Jagr and Sundin, whether he has any success with that remains to be seen but he loves to play to contact and use his size/hands to carry the puck from the corner to the front of the net. I am not in any way claiming that he will be nearly as successful as these two but there are some significant stylistic similarities. Maybe he ends up closer to a Dainus Zubrus who also shares many similarities, who knows but these are much closer stylistic comparisons than any of Getzlaf/LeClair/Gillies are.

For some reason, i read Zubrus and immediately thought Bulis in my mind. I mean Bulis was fast, at least. If only he didn't think he was an offensive dynamo with that one 4 goal game lol

I have no recollection of anything Zubrus ever do here. Can't even remember who we traded for him. Malakhov?

 

[ReHabs]

That's fair, I can see that the last few administrations have scarred you. I can definitely understand that. But take a look at the additions that the team has made.

1. MSL, who seems like a players dream as a coach. He plays the kids, he doesn't punish them for their mistakes.

2. They're started to put together a player development team. My gawd, that alone has helped to change my opinion of this new management group.

3. We have a management group who seems to have a plan/direction.

These are only 3 things that we've never seen from past administrations. They not only talk about change, they freaking do it.

There's been no talk of rushing Slaf. Which is why we've had pages and pages debating what we as individuals feel is best for him. The truth is, we only know they want to keep him close (Laval or the Habs).

You're again looking at past administrations decisions/mistakes. You nor I have no idea whether the plan is to yo-yo him back and forth between Laval and Montreal. You have to start looking in the present. Listen to what HuGo says.

Again you're speculating, you have no idea how TPS would use Slaf.

Teams don't force players to do goofy McDonald's type promos. Player agents are responsible for that.

I'm not saying it's a bad thing, since I don't know what's best for him as an individual player. Yet you feel the need to slam keeping him here in either Laval or Montreal. Without even knowing what they have planned for him. Only going by what you've seen the Habs do with previous prospects. Under a totally different management group.

I'm not trying to convince you to see things my way. I fully respect your opinions. I just think you may need to be a little more open minded. Things are not the same as they have been in the past. I'm willing to give this new administration the benefit of the doubt. Though I can understand why you're less trusting than I am.

I think the only difference in our case with how we see the Slaf pick and Slaf Development Plan (that is yet to be revealed but heavily hinted at) is this line you had "I'm willing to give this new administration the benefit of the doubt."

I won't go so far to say I don't have any optimism, but I don't have any faith. I think there is a slight difference. I've been rooting for the new admin and have praised them regularly, in particular the MSL hire which was inspired and impressive. So I'm not saying they will ruin Slaf 100% with no chance of success but I would say that I want to minimise the risk of seeing yet another offensive prospect's potential wither and die at the hands of the CH.

I think MSL commands respect and I hope the development coaches they've added will have an impact but it takes time to turn an organisation's protocols and processes around (this is my job) so I'm not secure in thinking all issues have been resolved and suddenly the NHL team that butchered their players' offensive instincts could suddenly develop them and help them grow.

This is partly why I felt so annoyed at the tire-pumping of the Habs organization during the summer Kotkaniemi was picked. The Habs had endured a fail-tank god awful year and the new PR spin was to say "now, finally, the Habs are taking a deep look at their player development and will prioritise it" and there were tightly controlled fluff pieces from Godin and Basu saying things like "this is a whole new imperative, a whole new approach to player development"... with literally zero change in outcome.

Anyway, I digress. Let's see how it goes.