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

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Only thing I’ll say is when he’s on the PP, he’s gotta stop calling for it and just be ready and open, it alerts the defenders instead of just being ready and unleashing

This is a non-issue outside of potentially annoying their teammates. In which case, it's up to them to talk to him about it.

High level players will beaver tap with an understanding with teammates that they don't always want it, it can be a ploy to move the defenders that way.. and even if he doesn't beaver tap as he's open, it's not like the goalie and NHL defenders aren't usually aware of where the off the puck threat is on a PP.
 
The last few games are showing why not sending him to the WJC is probably the right call. He's learning and progressing a lot by taking baby steps in the NHL. The type of game he had monday will get him to where he needs to be as an NHL player a lot quicker than going to the WJC would probably do.
 
They were both good plays but they are hardly special. The kid has a ton of heart and works his ass off so no surprise on the back check. The frantic fondling every time he does something positive is just annoying as is the over the top negative narrative. He had a decent game but all of his warts were still on display as would be the case for almost any 18 year old kid so I am not sweating it. I am just trying to be a voice of reason amidst the volatility of the mob.
Seriously, I'm not fondling. I read a lot from disappointed fans who repeatedy proclaim that Slaf is not NHL ready, or may not amount to much, or has no idea what to do, and so forth. Therefore, when I see reason to believe in the player, I share, in order to create more balance.

I agree warts are normal for virtually all 18 year olds in the NHL. I am not expecting miracles off the bat, and I will be quite happy with a 30ish point season to start.
 
Seriously, I'm not fondling. I read a lot from disappointed fans who repeatedy proclaim that Slaf is not NHL ready, or may not amount to much, or has no idea what to do, and so forth. Therefore, when I see reason to believe in the player, I share, in order to create more balance.

I agree warts are normal for virtually all 18 year olds in the NHL. I am not expecting miracles off the bat, and I will be quite happy with a 30ish point season to start.
I think the importance of points is somewhat overstated. I think of more importance is whether Slafkovsky is able to keep up with the play, or, maybe of more importance, can he initiate plays and be a factor on the ice. If he’s a mere space holder and is a non - contributing factor, then having him play at the WJC is probably a progressive move. But I believe any objective observer would agree that Slafkovsky is currently more than just holding his own against the best competition. One can see his potential. The points, that so many here need as a confirmation of development, will come in due course. And come in bunches.
 
The last few games are showing why not sending him to the WJC is probably the right call. He's learning and progressing a lot by taking baby steps in the NHL. The type of game he had monday will get him to where he needs to be as an NHL player a lot quicker than going to the WJC would probably do.
Some people follow the game, some people are in the game, and others are ahead of the game (crosby mcdavid)

Slaf was stuck following the game a bit (only natural for 18 yr old rookie), but right now he is IN the game, for sure
 
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The last few games are showing why not sending him to the WJC is probably the right call. He's learning and progressing a lot by taking baby steps in the NHL. The type of game he had monday will get him to where he needs to be as an NHL player a lot quicker than going to the WJC would probably do.
Sending him to the WJC or not is inconsequential to his development as a player, unless you consider the experience in a high paced tournament. He would have the same progress when coming back.
 
Just think, in two to three years, Mailloux will give us a third option, with Hutson feeding all of them. Even Burrows can’t screw that up.
 
It's one thing not thinking a player can reach their potential but it's quite another to not even see the potential in the first place.

If you can't see this kid has massive potential you're likely trying too hard at not wanting to be 'disappointed again'. At least I hope so because otherwise you're just a horrible judge of talent. And if you are worried about disappointment you might want to take your sports fandom a notch and just enjoy the game.

This whole idea of gatekeeping excitement over prospects because you want to safeguard against possible future disappointment or you don't want Hab fans to look dumb on the main board is silly at best and unhealthy at worst. Just enjoy the game when it's fun. And yes I know my audience lol.
 
Some people not wanting to get Slaf to WJC because he may miss out of 3-4 weeks of NHL action... really?

He may win a medal at WJC which he would cherish forever, especially given how passionate he is about his country.
 
It's one thing not thinking a player can reach their potential but it's quite another to not even see the potential in the first place.

If you can't see this kid has massive potential you're likely trying too hard at not wanting to be 'disappointed again'. At least I hope so because otherwise you're just a horrible judge of talent. And if you are worried about disappointment you might want to take your sports fandom a notch and just enjoy the game.

This whole idea of gatekeeping excitement over prospects because you want to safeguard against possible future disappointment or you don't want Hab fans to look dumb on the main board is silly at best and unhealthy at worst. Just enjoy the game when it's fun. And yes I know my audience lol.
The thing is every skill player who gets within shooting range of the NHL has potential. No one should dismiss a player's potential -- even those with suspect skating somehow can make it through, for instance. Slaf clearly has tons of tools and, if all goes well, he can become a literal beast on the ice. But will all go well? He's playing next to Evans again tonight...

You're otherwise totally right that it's a bad prophylactic to force oneself to negative and pessimistic.

Personally, I don't care about his potential -- I see red flags and, since he's been drafted by my team, want his success to overcome them.
 
Some people not wanting to get Slaf to WJC because he may miss out of 3-4 weeks of NHL action... really?

He may win a medal at WJC which he would cherish forever, especially given how passionate he is about his country.
He's a professional now, did NHLers not want to go to the olympics? If Slaf wants to continue to grow and improve slovakia's chance (Potentially even at the upcoming worlds this spring) he should continue to grow at the NHL level not against kids.
 
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