He has a big advantage in his size and style of play, but top 5 has always seemed little bit of a stretch to me. Today he is not a top 5 player of this draft. But again, NHL teams look at how the player projects to the NHL, so he could get picked quite early. Not as early as top 5 though.
I think for him to go top 5 it would require 2 things. First, dominant WJC on the level of Laine or Puljujarvi in their draft year. Second, around 0.5 ppg in Liiga
I agree with this. I'm not sure that two Russians are better than him. Slaf is such an intriguing player because of his size and ability. And I think he's having a very good season so far (Obviously, it can be always better). Awesome HGC, Olympics Q, averaging 2 PPG in U20 league, 2pts in last 3 games in Liiga. Hopefully, he can be even more productive because he's creating so many opportunities for himself and teammates.
Not sure I'd agree with that... I think that Rantanen's an alright comparison although I'm positive Slafkovsky has lower hockey IQ.
He’s been playing with the U20 team recently not men’s team. He needs a Brad Lambert like change of scenery
Perhaps not Erie but another Liiga team. Certainly nhl teams will begin asking some questions if he’s only in Finnish U20 league. It’s still early in the season, however. But TPS is playing very well and if he’s only playing sporadically in men’s and in bottom 6 it’s not great for development.
Hes not in U20 anymore. TPS IS a good team with good coach, he will get his ice time.
He was 4th line in Saturday’s game, and than was scratched for today’s game against the worst team in Liiga. I’m not so sure. Looking at past drafts can show exactly the point.
Maybe there was some reason why he didnt play. Injury, some problems. Kemmel also didnt play.
Sometimes it's just about resetting mentally, getting to enjoy the game, scoring some points, making some plays. It's not a long-term situation, it definitely won't hinder his development. Committing to play in the CHL, on the other hand, would be a very long-term decision that could definitely hinder his development.
I mean it could be a direct hinderance to his development, especially if he becomes isolated to fulfilling specific roles. Furthermore, if his draft stock does continue to fall there is the monetary element that I’m sure his agent is talking to him about. Sure he could stick with TPS and play sporadically and in the bottom 6, but to me this is not the best way for him to develop as a player. To add to this, one of his problems in the past has been getting gassed in the third period because of conditioning. This set up right now would not work to improve that, instead it may work directly against it.
First time i heard about something like this. He Played 26 min. today. And i think hes having a good season so far. Look at Yurov, hes even in tougher spot. Miro, Lambert same. A lot of TOP forwards in this draft are struggling little bit. You dont have to panicking. Hes gonna be OK
