Prospect Info: 2022 - 1st OA] Juraj Slafkovsky (LW) Part 4

[BLONG7]

World Junior Championship with Mesar & hopefully Nemec. Don't screw this up HuGo.

Let Slafkovsky go represent Slovakia and gain experience as the leader of the juniors national team. Keeping him in Montreal is NOT the play here.

Agreed...............his development can be helped in a big way, by sending him to the WJC.

 

[417]

Agreed...............his development can be helped in a big way, by sending him to the WJC.

Can you explain how it might help him? Beyond anything he's currently doing right now?

 

[WeThreeKings]

Can you explain how it might help him? Beyond anything he's currently doing right now?

Yeah, I can.

He will go down with too much time, too much space and no one to threaten him physically. He will put up some points in the WJC and the fans will be excited because WJC points = NHL success (look at Poehling compared to those busts Suzuki and Caufield, don't forget WJC scoring legend Danny Kristo).

Then he will come back up, and get rocked with even more big hits because he's just spent 2 weeks not having to worry about it at all.

 

[Saundies]

I don't get how playing against kids when he hasn't in years will somehow make him better.

 

[WeThreeKings]

I don't get how playing against kids when he hasn't in years will somehow make him better.

It won't.. it will just make fans feel better because all they can comprehend is crooked numbers on a eliteprospects page.

 

[417]

Yeah, I can.

He will go down with too much time, too much space and no one to threaten him physically. He will put up some points in the WJC and the fans will be excited because WJC points = NHL success (look at Poehling compared to those busts Suzuki and Caufield, don't forget WJC scoring legend Danny Kristo).

Then he will come back up, and get rocked with even more big hits because he's just spent 2 weeks not having to worry about it at all.

I'm not going to lie...even on twitter, this "debate" about whether he should go to the WJC is a weird one for me.

I mean, the team itself has given no indication or subtle hint that they're even considering this.

This question or debate is completely fan/media driven. I don't think it exist in any reality to be honest.

We got an 18yr old whose playing a meaningful role on his NHL team, why TF do we want to send him to go play in a junior tournament he's already played in? lol

 

[Sorinth]

I don't get how playing against kids when he hasn't in years will somehow make him better.

It won't help make him better, it will help make fans feel better if they see him put up a bunch of points.

 

[417]

It won't.. it will just make fans feel better because all they can comprehend is crooked numbers on a eliteprospects page.

- Why not? It won't hurt
- Give him the opportunity to represent his country
- Give him the opportunity to play with his buddy Mesar and other Slovak friends
- Let him become a leader on Slovakia
- Let him have fun

All reasons i've seen mentioned on here and twitter...none of which benefit or explain how it will benefit the player and organization.

 

[Sorinth]

I'm not going to lie...even on twitter, this "debate" about whether he should go to the WJC is a weird one for me.

I mean, the team itself has given no indication or subtle hint that they're even considering this.

This question or debate is completely fan/media driven. I don't think it exist in any reality to be honest.

We got an 18yr old whose playing a meaningful role on his NHL team, why TF do we want to send him to go play in a junior tournament he's already played in? lol

There are basically 2 valid reasons, he's in the middle of a terrible slump and he's lost confidence. Or it's very important to him and so you let him go to build a stronger/better relationship with him.

Both are very unlikely at this point.

 

[WeThreeKings]

I'm not going to lie...even on twitter, this "debate" about whether he should go to the WJC is a weird one for me.

I mean, the team itself has given no indication or subtle hint that they're even considering this.

This question or debate is completely fan/media driven. I don't think it exist in any reality to be honest.

We got an 18yr old whose playing a meaningful role on his NHL team, why TF do we want to send him to go play in a junior tournament he's already played in? lol

It's really simple.

Hockey minds and media all agree Slafkovsky should not go to the WJC.

Fans (who were from the cult of Wright) want to send him to the WJC so they can see him score points in bunches and feel better inside about the pick.

 

[Egresch]

He will play a leading role for Slovakia at World Champs after Habs finish their season. No need to play at WJC if he is establishing in NHL.

 

[417]

There are basically 2 valid reasons, he's in the middle of a terrible slump and he's lost confidence.

Agreed and i'd add that if he wasn't playing regularly.

Or it's very important to him and so you let him go to build a stronger/better relationship with him.

Both are very unlikely at this point.

I don't even think that flies. It's not his decision to make, how he feels about it is immaterial. He's under contract with the team, it's his job.

Rhetorical question, but do you get up everyday to go to work because it helps you build stronger/better relationship with your employer?

Or do you do so because, well...it's your job and your responsibility?

 

[Sorinth]

Agreed and i'd add that if he wasn't playing regularly.

I don't even think that flies. It's not his decision to make, how he feels about it is immaterial. He's under contract with the team, it's his job.

Rhetorical question, but do you get up everyday to go to work because it helps you build stronger/better relationship with your employer?

Or do you do so because, well...it's your job and your responsibility?

It's not his decision no, but his feelings aren't immaterial. If I ask my employer for time off for personal reasons they are within their rights to say no I still have to come in to work. But if they do that I'm probably going to start looking at other job opportunities. For the team having a happy Slafkovsky is more valuable then 2 weeks of relatively unimportant NHL games.

But in the end it's likely irrelevant, as I doubt Slafkovsky cares more about the WJC then he does the NHL.

 

[417]

It's not his decision no, but his feelings aren't immaterial. If I ask my employer for time off for personal reasons they are within their rights to say no I still have to come in to work. But if they do that I'm probably going to start looking at other job opportunities. For the team having a happy Slafkovsky is more valuable then 2 weeks of relatively unimportant NHL games.

I think it's immaterial. I'm sure he has feelings of where he'd like to play in the lineup too. Or how many minutes he should be playing or who he should be playing with or what PP unit he should be on.

None of these things matter, I don't see how it's any different in this scenario.

Best way for the organization to manage the relationship with Slafkovsky is to make sure they're doing what is best for for his development.

But in the end it's likely irrelevant, as I doubt Slafkovsky cares more about the WJC then he does the NHL.

This

 

[MilesNewton]

It's not his decision no, but his feelings aren't immaterial. If I ask my employer for time off for personal reasons they are within their rights to say no I still have to come in to work. But if they do that I'm probably going to start looking at other job opportunities. For the team having a happy Slafkovsky is more valuable then 2 weeks of relatively unimportant NHL games.

But in the end it's likely irrelevant, as I doubt Slafkovsky cares more about the WJC then he does the NHL.

Has anyone from the over zealous Montreal media asked him this question? Or coach or GM?

 

[HuGort]

Nicholas working with Slaf in practice to keep his head. Looks like going to be quite the adjustment for him.

 

[PhysicX]

There was a very interesting segment with Andre Tourigny and Eric Engels on 91.9 BPM Sports debating this topic.

Andre Tourigny coached Team Canada Juniors and is now the ARZ Coyotes coach. I suspect he knows a little more about how things work than us, and I honestly find him quite refreshing in his way of thinking when he does state his mind on the radio. He was in favor of sending Dylan Guenther to the world juniors this year, although this was not his decision, but a decision taken by higher-ups.

One of his main arguments is the type of leadership role said player has on his current team vs. the role he'll have for his national team. Leadership is partly an innate characteristic of a person, but also something that is developed, tailored, refined (I hope I remember Tourigny's point correctly here...). I don't know for sure what kind of a leader Slafkovsky is, nor what kind of role he's currently got on the Habs team and locker room, but he damn sure will be forced to lead his juniors National team. Wouldn't you guys be curious to know how Slafkovsky would fare in that role, if you were Habs management? I don't doubt he is currently learning from Suzuki, Edmundson, etc. However, until you step in those shoes as leader, you won't know whether you will sink or swim.

I can't develop my idea any more, since I'm at work and got little to no time. But I do believe this is a more than good enough reason to send Slaf to represent his country if he so desires. He's getting the taste of the NHL and the wear-and-tear of a season. Maybe there are more reasons than just fans salivating over his performances to send him there.

One final point. The guy is 18-19, let's not forget that. 82-games season is demanding, physically and mentally. I can't say whether a small break would be seen as beneficial to him on the mental side. But as much as he's a professional NHL hockey player, he's still 18-19.

 

[Sorinth]

I think it's immaterial. I'm sure he has feelings of where he'd like to play in the lineup too. Or how many minutes he should be playing or who he should be playing with or what PP unit he should be on.

None of these things matter, I don't see how it's any different in this scenario.

Best way for the organization to manage the relationship with Slafkovsky is to make sure they're doing what is best for for his development.

This

So if instead of the WJC, he wants to go back to Slovakia for a week because a grand parent is dying and this would be the last chance to see them. Should the team say no and that his feelings are immaterial?

In the end determining for someone else what should be important or not for them is going to be stepping into a minefield. It's better to avoid the whole thing by leaving it up to the player and trust that they care and want to be in MTL playing in the NHL enough that they wouldn't make these asks for frivolous reasons.

Has anyone from the over zealous Montreal media asked him this question? Or coach or GM?

No idea, but it's probably irrelevant because publicly he would (Or at least should) respond with the politically correct answer.

 

[417]

So if instead of the WJC, he wants to go back to Slovakia for a week because a grand parent is dying and this would be the last chance to see them. Should the team say no and that his feelings are immaterial?

Not sure why we have to go from one extreme to another.

You're conflating, intentionally I might add because I know you know this, a personal/family situation with a professional situation.

These are not the same.

Again, if we're going to use an analogy.

Try telling your employer that you need a few days off to go tend to family matters...and then tell your employer you need a few days off to go work for another company for 3 weeks.

See if there's a conflict of interest there.

In the end determining for someone else what should be important or not for them is going to be stepping into a minefield. It's better to avoid the whole thing by leaving it up to the player and trust that they care and want to be in MTL playing in the NHL enough that they wouldn't make these asks for frivolous reasons.

That's what being a professional is. That's exactly what the team has been doing from the moment they drafted him. Do you recall back in September when he also had the opportunity to go play for Slovakia at the WJC, didn't the team decide FOR HIM, that it would be better if he spent the time getting prepared for training camp?

This isn't the player's decisions, it's the club's decision. This is why Kent Hughes has the title of 'General Manager', emphasis on 'Manager', because it's his job to manage these kind of decisions. It is not the player's job.

Like it or not, but when he signed his ELC, he pretty much abandoned any idea of controlling his own destiny as a professional hockey player, at least until he reaches free agency.

I didn't make up the rules. When they say a team "owns a player's rights", it means they own a player's rights.

This is professional sports man, I hate to use the word because of the obvious disturbing connotations...but when a professional team signs you, they essentially own you.

 

[417]

There was a very interesting segment with Andre Tourigny and Eric Engels on 91.9 BPM Sports debating this topic.

Andre Tourigny coached Team Canada Juniors and is now the ARZ Coyotes coach. I suspect he knows a little more about how things work than us, and I honestly find him quite refreshing in his way of thinking when he does state his mind on the radio. He was in favor of sending Dylan Guenther to the world juniors this year, although this was not his decision, but a decision taken by higher-ups.

Highlighting the most important part of this discussion.

GM's decision.

Not player's, not coach.

One of his main arguments is the type of leadership role said player has on his current team vs. the role he'll have for his national team. Leadership is partly an innate characteristic of a person, but also something that is developed, tailored, refined (I hope I remember Tourigny's point correctly here...). I don't know for sure what kind of a leader Slafkovsky is, nor what kind of role he's currently got on the Habs team and locker room, but he damn sure will be forced to lead his juniors National team. Wouldn't you guys be curious to know how Slafkovsky would fare in that role, if you were Habs management? I don't doubt he is currently learning from Suzuki, Edmundson, etc. However, until you step in those shoes as leader, you won't know whether you will sink or swim.

I can't develop my idea any more, since I'm at work and got little to no time. But I do believe this is a more than good enough reason to send Slaf to represent his country if he so desires. He's getting the taste of the NHL and the wear-and-tear of a season. Maybe there are more reasons than just fans salivating over his performances to send him there.

One final point. The guy is 18-19, let's not forget that. 82-games season is demanding, physically and mentally. I can't say whether a small break would be seen as beneficial to him on the mental side. But as much as he's a professional NHL hockey player, he's still 18-19.

I found it quite, what' the word I want to use...bold for him to speak about what another organization should do with their player.

Not sure he's so vocal if he's on TSN Hockey.

 

[Sorinth]

Not sure why we have to go from one extreme to another.

You're conflating, intentionally I might add because I know you know this, a personal/family situation with a professional situation.

These are not the same.

Again, if we're going to use an analogy.

Try telling your employer that you need a few days off to go tend to family matters...and then tell your employer you need a few days off to go work for another company for 3 weeks.

See if there's a conflict of interest there.

That's what being a professional is.

This isn't the player's decisions, it's the club's decision.

Like it or not, but when he signed his ELC, he pretty much abandoned any idea of controlling his own destiny as a professional hockey player.

I didn't make up the rules. When they say a team "owns a player's rights", it means they own a player's rights.

The only difference is where you decide to draw the line between acceptable and unprofessional. And everybody will draw it in a different place. So the point I was making is that you should trust in the persons professionalism, especially when they aren't easily replaceable.

And for the record I have seen people people take time off from one company to do something for another business. The first company could've said no, but then they risk the person quitting, since they weren't easily replaceable the company agreed.

 

[417]

The only difference is where you decide to draw the line between acceptable and unprofessional. And everybody will draw it in a different place. So the point I was making is that you should trust in the persons professionalism, especially when they aren't easily replaceable.

And for the record I have seen people people take time off from one company to do something for another business. The first company could've said no, but then they risk the person quitting, since they weren't easily replaceable the company agreed.

Either way, I think this is all moot.

I don't think player's go to their management, especially not 18 year old rookies, with requests or demands on where they should play.

Just don't think that's how pro sports work.

Look at Filip Mesar, if he had his way he would have played in the AHL this year.

The Montreal Canadiens ultimately made the decision to send him to the Kitchener Rangers because they own his rights and they're in charge of where he plays.

 

[PhysicX]

Not sure why we have to go from one extreme to another.

You're conflating, intentionally I might add because I know you know this, a personal/family situation with a professional situation.

These are not the same.

Again, if we're going to use an analogy.

Try telling your employer that you need a few days off to go tend to family matters...and then tell your employer you need a few days off to go work for another company for 3 weeks.

See if there's a conflict of interest there.

That's what being a professional is. That's exactly what the team has been doing from the moment they drafted him. Do you recall back in September when he also had the opportunity to go play for Slovakia at the WJC, didn't the team decide FOR HIM, that it would be better if he spent the time getting prepared for training camp?

This isn't the player's decisions, it's the club's decision. This is why Kent Hughes has the title of 'General Manager', emphasis on 'Manager', because it's his job to manage these kind of decisions. It is not the player's job.

Like it or not, but when he signed his ELC, he pretty much abandoned any idea of controlling his own destiny as a professional hockey player, at least until he reaches free agency.

I didn't make up the rules. When they say a team "owns a player's rights", it means they own a player's rights.

This is professional sports man, I hate to use the word because of the obvious disturbing connotations...but when a professional team signs you, they essentially own you.

Highlighting the most important part of this discussion.

GM's decision.

Not player's, not coach.

I found it quite, what' the word I want to use...bold for him to speak about what another organization should do with their player.

Not sure he's so vocal if he's on TSN Hockey.

He did not give his opinion on what the Habs should or should not do with Slafkovsky. He just brought up points in favor of sending an 18-19 year-old to the world juniors, whomever that player is.

And as manager of a professional sports organization, you cannot manage your 18-19-20 year-olds the same way you manage the older adults. Honestly, if I am Slafkovsky, want to represent my world juniors team, and the manager doesn't allow me to go, you better believe this will have repercussions on my relationship with the org and manager.

 

[Sorinth]

Either way, I think this is all moot.

I don't think player's go to their management, especially not 18 year old rookies, with requests or demands on where they should play.

Just don't think that's how pro sports work.

Look at Filip Mesar, if he had his way he would have played in the AHL this year.

The Montreal Canadiens ultimately made the decision to send him to the Kitchener Rangers because they own his rights and they're in charge of where he plays.

Like Eric Lindros?

But yeah it's all moot, I'd be shocked if Slaf actually made an issue of it.

 

[417]

He did not give his opinion on what the Habs should or should not do with Slafkovsky. He just brought up points in favor of sending an 18-19 year-old to the world juniors, whomever that player is.

I watched a snippet and he was saying his opinion as far as I know.

Although it was just snippet, perhaps I missed the context.

And as manager of a professional sports organization, you cannot manage your 18-19-20 year-olds the same way you manage the older adults. Honestly, if I am Slafkovsky, want to represent my world juniors team, and the manager doesn't allow me to go, you better believe this will have repercussions on my relationship with the org and manager.

Well perhaps you're in the wrong league? You've already represented your country, at every level of international play.

Today you're a Montreal Canadiens player and you're contracted to the Montreal Canadiens and you're a part of the team and lineup every night.

I don't know what else to say lol if playing for Slovakia was your ultimately goal this season, perhaps you shouldn't have signed your ELC?

Like Eric Lindros?

Are you referring to when Lindros said he didn't want to play for the Quebec Nordiques?

Let's just ignore the completely different situations/contexts.

But exceptions, don't make rules.

But yeah it's all moot, I'd be shocked if Slaf actually made an issue of it.

He's already played in a WJC, he's an NHL player trying to establish himself.

I swear this more of an issue for us, then it is him or anyone in the organization.