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

[MoneyManny]

So i specifically said if we want him to become a DOMINANT 1st liner... He's not ready for THAT role. Are you disagreeing with what i'm saying so far? I guess not, i think its a pretty rational assessment we can all agree on.
I think for him to become a DOMINANT 1st liner he really needs to dominate the OHL 2-3 years and another 2 years in the AHL.
You shouldnt laugh at what im saying, Montreal has NEVER developed a DOMINANT 1st liner in the past at least 30 years? the last one to succeed was Patioready and at the end we f***ed that one up too by naming him captain even though he dint deserve it.

Slaf is nowhere near good enough to play in the NHL, yes he played againts men in Liiga but he din't do much there.

Don't rush him, if we rush this guy he's going to 100% bust.

As for Mesar, Mesar does not have the same upside as Slaf. Mesar is alot closer to his ceiling than Slafs and his hockey IQ is at par with other 1st liners in the league if not better than some of them. Mesar's potential is a top 6 forward, 2nd center or 1st line winger, PP and PK specialist... where as Slaf's potential is to be a franchise player who's consistently top 5 in points in the NHL. The only problem is that he's not ready for that role yet.

Show me where im wrong

There's absolutely NO WAY Slaf rots for frickin 5 years before playing in the NHL dude. It's Montreal, people want to go see the shiny new 1st OA toy. Management is never waiting that long, no matter what.

Not that it's what they should do anyway. If he deserves it you let him graduate. Keeping their foot on his head is only going to be detrimental to his development.

 

[BenchBrawl]

How I see it:

From now on, I don't see Juraj Slafkovsky as a 1st overall pick.

The 2022 draft had no prodigy, no obvious stars to pick from.

We were presented with a variety of pieces for the rebuilding puzzle.

We got a player with some great strengths and some flaws.

Far from perfect in IQ, skills, etc.

But, his tools are difficult to find and replace, and important to have in the overall puzzle.

Maybe, some random pick we made, will end up better than him. No problem from me. As long as Slaf can be that semi-powerforward type with some skills completing lines and bringing a strong will in big moments and energy in his intentions.

I don't want to lamentably lose him because everyone puts too much pressure on him to become the next Jagr. Let's just be happy we got a rare piece of the future puzzle. He is what he is. Good if he becomes more than what I described. Otherwise, still a unique player.

 

[BaseballCoach]

My god.

This board will have dudes evaluating his game every shift.

He just needs some time. He doesn't have to be a first liner this year or the next. Just keep him mid-6 and he'll do just fine. Hope that people will lower their standards too. He's not going to be a generational player like Crosby/Ovechkin. Just fn' no way. Hell, I don't even think he'd ever reach Kucherov's level. But time will tell.

With that said, I still think the NHL is the best place for him. Just being around MSL and the players we have right now. This isn't a toxic organization anymore.

I agree that if Slafkovsky is one of our best 12 forwards, especially is he is one of the best 10, start him in the NHL.

Given that we are not a contender, should he show well in games and practices, he could be tried with Suzuki and Caufield even if their overall production is only 2nd line level on a better team.

I would rather Caufield play RW and have a left-shooting guy on the LW with Suzuki than playing someone like Anderson there.

So if none of Hoffman, Dadonov or Drouin clicks on the Suzuki line, Slaf could get a chance and it would not be the end of the world.

How I see it:

From now on, I don't see Juraj Slafkovsky as a 1st overall pick.

The 2022 draft had no prodigy, no obvious stars to pick from.

We were presented with a variety of pieces for the rebuilding puzzle.

We got a player with some great strengths and some flaws.

Far from perfect in IQ, skills, etc.

But, his tools are difficult to find and replace, and important to have in the overall puzzle.

Maybe, some random pick we made, will end up better than him. No problem from me. As long as Slaf can be that semi-powerforward type with some skills completing lines and bringing a strong will in big moments and energy in his intentions.

I don't want to lamentably lose him because everyone puts too much pressure on him to become the next Jagr. Let's just be happy we got a rare piece of the future puzzle. He is what he is. Good if he becomes more than what I described. Otherwise, still a unique player.

The same could have been said in 2019 about Jack Hughes. And it's fine. The 1OA does not have to dominate the NHL right away. Let his play determine how he is used, in the context of how others on the team are playing too.

 

[NotProkofievian]

Slaf needs to live out the remainder of his natural life, be reincarnated, drafted again, and then play 3 years in Laval and be ready for the 2115-16 regular season.

 

[BaseballCoach]

Slaf needs to live out the remainder of his natural life, be reincarnated, drafted again, and then play 3 years in Laval and be ready for the 2115-16 regular season.

That is very far-fetched, almost ridiculous.

How can we know this far in advance that Laval will still be the AHL affiliate?

 

[ChesterNimitz]

Dominant first liners start off by being something less. Other than a Crosby, Ovechkin or McDavid, they need reps against NHLers in order to hone their game.

If Guy Lafleur had been drafted at 18, he would have dominated earlier than 23. The two extra years in the Q continuing to skate around pylons did not help him be dominant in the NHL at age 20, nor 21, nor 22.

Guys have to go through good before hitting great. At the same time, dominating Junior and the AHL is not that meaningful. Community newspapers are full of thousands of stories of a local kid who was absolutely dominant at those levels and did little to nothing in the NHL. Literally THOUSANDS of guys who live working class lives but the asterix in their life was how they dominated non-elite players "back in the day".

Every player is different, but in general over decades, Top-2 picks who have a good chance to become dominant are generally playing in the NHL from the time they are drafted. There have been few exceptions, and they have been mainly defencemen or players who want to spend time in college as a personal priority.

If a guy can handle a top-9 role or is the play-driver on the fourth line, it is very, very rare to intentionally delay the NHL development of that player.

As for Mesar, I do not think he is good enough to play in the Habs top 12 yet, pantoute. He said it himself. It's either Junior or AHL for him, and I think AHL is the bigger challenge. If he can be in the top-9 of the AHL or the play driver of the 4th line, give him the AHL chance, otherwise Junior is probably better than ECHL, partly because of the WJC challenge.

Each player’s development curve is different. For Lafleur, it was only until 74/75 that he became a dominant player. His first three years in the NHL were mundane with some fans and pundits calling for him to be traded towards the end of the 73/74 season. Then he gained confidence, took off his helmet prior to the 74/75 season and the Flower was born. So one should be cautious about reaching a final conclusion about any player so early in that player’s development curve.

 

[Galchenyuk15]

So i specifically said if we want him to become a DOMINANT 1st liner... He's not ready for THAT role. Are you disagreeing with what i'm saying so far? I guess not, i think its a pretty rational assessment we can all agree on.
I think for him to become a DOMINANT 1st liner he really needs to dominate the OHL 2-3 years and another 2 years in the AHL.
You shouldnt laugh at what im saying, Montreal has NEVER developed a DOMINANT 1st liner in the past at least 30 years? the last one to succeed was Patioready and at the end we f***ed that one up too by naming him captain even though he dint deserve it.

Slaf is nowhere near good enough to play in the NHL, yes he played againts men in Liiga but he din't do much there.

Don't rush him, if we rush this guy he's going to 100% bust.

As for Mesar, Mesar does not have the same upside as Slaf. Mesar is alot closer to his ceiling than Slafs and his hockey IQ is at par with other 1st liners in the league if not better than some of them. Mesar's potential is a top 6 forward, 2nd center or 1st line winger, PP and PK specialist... where as Slaf's potential is to be a franchise player who's consistently top 5 in points in the NHL. The only problem is that he's not ready for that role yet.

Show me where im wrong

He is not mature for that role now and I don't know if he can become that kind of player but he will not play 4 years before graduating in the NHL and he will NEVER play 1 freakin game in the OHL. For now with the numbers of forwards on contract at the NHL level, I think he will start in AHL and if he start in the NHL, he need to step up big time to force the hand to keep him because for now I don't think it's the case.

He can be a "unicorn" kind of player but I'm not really impress with what he did at this moment but I can see why they have draft him at this rank. Good shot, good passer, good speed, protect the puck very well, strong in forecheck and backcheck, the shape of a beast and seem a good guy with lot of confidence.

He don't seem to have the best hockey sense, sometime he can do a hell of a play or pass when he open the ice and the play after he try 2 deke between 3 guys at full speed with nowhere to go, and he try to do a little bit too much but give him some time to acclimate to the N-A hockey, regular linemates and let him learn how to use is body and put some strength to become the beast he can. We already see the space he can open for others and how he can take advantage of his body when he use it the good way.

He will not break records points but with time I think every team would want a "Slafkovsky" because he has the chance to become a "one of a kind" player with a tool box nobody has or close. That kind of player can take sometime before hitting is prime.

In the best case I hope he can become a kind of Mikko Rantanen with least hockey sense but more urgency in his game or a Max Pacioretty with implication and not a perimeter player; something we have never see after his suspension after the hit on Letang.

I'm hoping for Fantili at the next draft because I think the style of 2 two player can match very well and I think the production of the Slovakian will depend a lot on his linemates and Suzuki maybe too celebral for him at short term but I can be wrong.

I have nothing against Mesar and I'm agree with you he is a lot closer to hit is ceiling than Slaf but he need some time to learn how to play on a smaller ice and bulk his frame the much he can; he have already 2 beast legs! Give him some time if Plekanec enter the NHL at 23 year old after 233 regular season games and 27 playoff games in the AHL, Koivu at 21 years old, Mesar can play at least 100 games before graduating at the NHL level and hit the age of 20 at least or close ...

 

[417]

I’m planning to get a bidet at the next place I’ll be moving to. You have me convinced.

Game changer

 

[417]

You know...having Slafkovsky play as an overage player in the OHL so he can try to score at last 300pts ain't a crazy idea.

It should coincide with the Habs 2028-29 contending window.

 

[WeThreeKings]

You know...having Slafkovsky play as an overage player in the OHL so he can try to score at last 300pts ain't a crazy idea.

It should coincide with the Habs 2028-29 contending window.

Gotta slide that ELC as much as possible to make room for the big Evans extension.

 

[Paddy17]

Game changer

Tickles your fancy doesn’t it?

 

[StCaufield]

Slaf is a better player than Jagr at the same age

So was Galchenyuk

I’m usually a glass half full kind of guy but I have nothing but bad feelings about slaf. This isn’t based off of one game it’s just everything as he seems to be a big project. He was good in the olympics okay but against who? It was mostly low grade teams that he lit up

 

[SlafySZN]

So was Galchenyuk

I’m usually a glass half full kind of guy but I have nothing but bad feelings about slaf. This isn’t based off of one game it’s just everything as he seems to be a big project. He was good in the olympics okay but against who? It was mostly low grade teams that he lit up

"Relax, chill out" - Carey Price

 

[durojean]

Rantanen needed a season in the AHL when he arrived and he quickly become one of the best winger in the NHL. I don't have any problem with Slaf starting in the AHL this season

We actually don't need Slaf in the line up this year. Make him play 1st line in AHL and give him a boat load of icetime.

His ELC will slide this year and we'll get him better and longer for his real contract.

 

[ReHabs]

We actually don't need Slaf in the line up this year. Make him play 1st line in AHL and give him a boat load of icetime.

His ELC will slide this year and we'll get him better and longer for his real contract.

What do you think of Baseballcoach’s argument that he needs to play in a high-talent/high-skill environment (ie NHL) rather than the scrub-riddled AHL?

 

[durojean]

this was not a great draft, probably one of the weaker ones the last 10 years.

That is where you are wrong. It was a great draft but it was altered by COVID. I think in 3 to 4 years, we'll begin to see how wrong people where with this draft.

Wright was near generational 3 years ago and people shat on the Lafreniere and the Power draft telling us how the Wright draft would be different because of the elite potential of that player.

 

[sandviper]

How I see it:

From now on, I don't see Juraj Slafkovsky as a 1st overall pick.

The 2022 draft had no prodigy, no obvious stars to pick from.

We were presented with a variety of pieces for the rebuilding puzzle.

We got a player with some great strengths and some flaws.

Far from perfect in IQ, skills, etc.

But, his tools are difficult to find and replace, and important to have in the overall puzzle.

Maybe, some random pick we made, will end up better than him. No problem from me. As long as Slaf can be that semi-powerforward type with some skills completing lines and bringing a strong will in big moments and energy in his intentions.

I don't want to lamentably lose him because everyone puts too much pressure on him to become the next Jagr. Let's just be happy we got a rare piece of the future puzzle. He is what he is. Good if he becomes more than what I described. Otherwise, still a unique player.

I think this is well worded. Only thing I'd add is a lot of people are lamenting the fact there was no generational, let alone superstar-level talent in the 2022 draft. I would agree with this when looking at the 2022 draft within a bubble.

Truth is, development and progression isn't linear and a player's floor and ceiling will also be impacted by his support both with coaches and line mates.

Slaf is raw, I think anyone who is at least watches him play can see this but also see that there are flashes of talent. I'm not talking about the skating and hands, but there's moments where he sees and creates opportunities. His physical tools are certainly unique so that alone will make him an NHLer, but if we can nurture his skills and put him in positions to succeed, who knows? Maybe he will become that superstar-talent.

On that note, maybe other players from the 2022 draft will emerge also. The past couple years have been crazy with the pandemic so we'll need to see how 2021 and 2022 look in 5 years.

 

[StCaufield]

"Relax, chill out" - Carey Price

Im relaxed and chilled. I’m just going by what I see, feel, and know. I’m not calling the cops over a bad body check or anything jeez

 

[Bombshell11]

There's absolutely NO WAY Slaf rots for frickin 5 years before playing in the NHL dude. It's Montreal, people want to go see the shiny new 1st OA toy. Management is never waiting that long, no matter what.

Not that it's what they should do anyway. If he deserves it you let him graduate. Keeping their foot on his head is only going to be detrimental to his development.

People wanting to see the 1OA play in the NHL right away or treating him differently because he's a 1OA is exactly why this pick will bust. I don't care if its MSL the coach behind the bench but this player needs to learn the skills he's trying to use in game and he needs to be in an environment where he'll have the time and space to practice them during a game. Also he needs to learn how the NA game is played, he looks lost out there sometimes.

We all know we cant send him to the AHL because Houle and if we keep him and play him in the 4th line?????!?!? he'll definitely rot and bust. Houle used him to screen a goalie ffs LOL

Not sure why we're arguing about this. Same people say Mesar needs to go down to gain some wheight? It's alot easier to gain a few lb than to learn skills. I find it so hypocritical. Mesar could easely play on the PP and be an asset there, he could also play on the 3rd and 4th line and help the first 2 lines from time to time.
Slaf will be a liability on the PP and on the first 2 lines... it wont be good for his development if he finishes the year with 60 games played 8 mins avg and 4 goals and 12 points.

What i'm talking about is for a safe and smooth transition into the NHL, he wont rot as long as he's learning. Give him the NHL job when he deserves it, could be sooner than what i said but to me his IQ seems so poor i feel like he'll be a slow learner and thats ok.

 

[Captain97]

People wanting to see the 1OA play in the NHL right away or treating him differently because he's a 1OA is exactly why this pick will bust. I don't care if its MSL the coach behind the bench but this player needs to learn the skills he's trying to use in game and he needs to be in an environment where he'll have the time and space to practice them during a game. Also he needs to learn how the NA game is played, he looks lost out there sometimes.

We all know we cant send him to the AHL because Houle and if we keep him and play him in the 4th line?????!?!? he'll definitely rot and bust. Houle used him to screen a goalie ffs LOL

Not sure why we're arguing about this. Same people say Mesar needs to go down to gain some wheight? It's alot easier to gain a few lb than to learn skills. I find it so hypocritical. Mesar could easely play on the PP and be an asset there, he could also play on the 3rd and 4th line and help the first 2 lines from time to time.
Slaf will be a liability on the PP and on the first 2 lines... it wont be good for his development if he finishes the year with 60 games played 8 mins avg and 4 goals and 12 points.

What i'm talking about is for a safe and smooth transition into the NHL, he wont rot as long as he's learning. Give him the NHL job when he deserves it, could be sooner than what i said but to me his IQ seems so poor i feel like he'll be a slow learner and thats ok.

You literally said 2-3 years in the OHL and 2 in the AHL. That would be rotting.

It's insane that anyone would suggest that. Slaf wouldn't play I'm the NHL until he was 23 if that was the plan. You understand that Suzuki just turned 23 right? Caufield just turned 22? Players don't wait until 23 to join the league anymore unless they were late round picks.

I understand 1 year in the AHL is a valid argument for Slaf and would be reasonable but 5?

 

[Captain Mountain]

What's kind of surprising (ok, maybe not that surprising), is how many people are jumping to conclusions based on... nothing. For all the complaints, its not like ANY top prospect from the 2022 draft has stood out meaningfully yet.

 

[A stormy night]

Lafrenière had 12 goals and 9 points in his first year.. he was much more hyped as a prospect than Wright or Slaf. Hugues Got 21 points and he was seen as a future superstar. Althought i don't remember how they were in their first year pre-season. but i'm pretty sure they did not look like superstars (well Lafrenière does not look like that after 2 years.. will see this year).

I think the time where 1st overall playe are elite players from the start are over.. well maybe not for the franchise player à la McDavid/Matthews.. but for players like Owen Power or Slafkovsky, who were not clear cut 1st overall.. it might take a bit more time... and there is nothing wrong with it... The only question is what will help me develop into the player we wish in let's say three years... I think he should start in the AHL and see how it goes .. if he has at more than one point per match or looks extremely good in the AHL let's give him a try... but let's not think he'll be a 60 points NHL player this year.. chances are that it won't happen... having realistic expectation is just that.. being realistic..

 

[Captain97]

Lafrenière had 12 goals and 9 points in his first year.. he was much more hyped as a prospect than Wright or Slaf. Hugues Got 21 points and he was seen as a future superstar. Althought i don't remember how they were in their first year pre-season. but i'm pretty sure they did not look like superstars (well Lafrenière does not look like that after 2 years.. will see this year).

I think the time where 1st overall playe are elite players from the start are over.. well maybe not for the franchise player à la McDavid/Matthews.. but for players like Owen Power or Slafkovsky, who were not clear cut 1st overall.. it might take a bit more time... and there is nothing wrong with it... The only question is what will help me develop into the player we wish in let's say three years... I think he should start in the AHL and see how it goes .. if he has at more than one point per match or looks extremely good in the AHL let's give him a try... but let's not think he'll be a 60 points NHL player this year.. chances are that it won't happen... having realistic expectation is just that.. being realistic..

Realistic for Slaf is expect 30-35 points and a good year would be in the 35-45 range

 

[durojean]

Not sure why so many of you keep bringing up Shane Wright. He’s not a Hab, get over it.

The Habs had their pick and chose Slafkovsky. We should learn to live with that and all that it entails.


To this day Andrew Kostitsyn has fanboys and moonlight dreamers. Who are you kidding? Slafkovsky will have die hard believers until the end of time no matter what happens.

Only the club and media run players out of town and they do it very well. Most Habs fans are still rooting for Drouin ffs!

It's got a lot to do with him because a lot of us think he should have been the pick. Of course, we are going to compare to see if we were right or wrong. It's the fun of the game.

 

[Habs]

That is where you are wrong. It was a great draft but it was altered by COVID. I think in 3 to 4 years, we'll begin to see how wrong people where with this draft.

Wright was near generational 3 years ago and people shat on the Lafreniere and the Power draft telling us how the Wright draft would be different because of the elite potential of that player.

how can you even say it was a great draft, for another 3 or 4 years? Gotta tamper expectations here