I genuinely don't think he will finish this season with 30 points. Which can be fine in the big picture but clearly indicates he wasn't NHL ready as a top6 player. Top6 players shouldn't only get 30 points and should get the requisite playing time and reps. Slaf is meant to be the best 18 year old in the world. 1OA fwds often come into the NHL to play a scoring line role.
If after 20 games he cannot earn playing time over our not-so-good depth players then what the hell are the Habs planning with him?
Do you think it is another case of play-it-by-ear prospect development? God I hope not.
No, I think the expectation of guys being ready immediately upon being drafted for a top-6 role is not realistic all the time. There are many examples of guys who start on the third or fourth line, usually getting PP time after a while precisely BECAUSE they are more talented than other bottom 6 players.
I think the Habs know what they have, and the fans have seen demonstrations of Slafkovsky's talent.
Tell me you have seen Pitlick or Pezzetta protect the puck like Slaf has on many occasions.
Tell me you ever saw Armia bring the puck up ice owning the neutral zone the way Slaf has on several occasions.
Tell me that you have seen Dadonov catch guys on the forecheck and cause turnovers like Slaf often does.
Tell me you have seen Gallagher or Anderson make passes as impressive as Slaf's at times.
Tell me that you have seen Dvorak snipe the way Slaf does when he gets a chance.
What Juraj Slafkovsky needs to do is put all the parts of his game together,
at NHL pace, and he will, sooner or later. This is a very common need for young players, especially those coming in at 18. I trust the Habs development group, and I trust his attitude and approach so far.
It's not "play it by ear". It's "have a plan", but control the pace in accordance with the actual progress on the ice. Like many have experienced before him, and will after him.