F Juraj Slafkovsky - TPS, Finland U20 (2022 Draft)

[tobu]

Still needs a lot of polish in my eyes(as is true for the vast majority of 18 year olds) but if you pick a forward top 3 in the draft you should be getting an offensive catalyst. Slafkovsky is definitely looking like he can provide that. Puck protection, hands, size, and speed is a great combo for a NHL forward.

While he is "only" at point per game so far this WC, he is yet again the best player of his team, second tournament in a row, definitely a catalyst. Yet again he was moved up to first line, he just makes things happen.

 

[tooji]

He definitely has the potential to be the best forward of the draft. He has work to do like any prospect, but 2OV is a very fair rating for him.

 

[Ivo]

I’m willing to bet one of my kidneys this kid ends up being the best player from this class

I don’t know, I like him a lot, but betting a body part on one player against the field doesn’t seem smart.

 

[xigon]

just curious.. What team would the Slovaks/Slaf fans want to see him get drafted to?

 

[vlady]

just curious.. What team would the Slovaks/Slaf fans want to see him get drafted to?

If I had to choose between MTL and NJD, I would prefer Devils. Seems like he would be a good fit and there wouldn't be the pressure of being Montreal's savior.

 

[tobu]

just curious.. What team would the Slovaks/Slaf fans want to see him get drafted to?

I don't think there is a general Slovak preference. We will just be happy he goes as high as possible. I just hope they don't keep him in Liiga, he should get a feel for the NHL ice next season and possibly a couple of NHL games too. D+1 year he'll be NHL ready.

 

[Rockomax]

What a play on his goal today. I'm not his biggest fan, but you gotta love his drive and desire to make plays and the skill that he can display. He looks like a perfect fit for the Devils with the players that they already have in place.

 

[PapaQ]

just curious.. What team would the Slovaks/Slaf fans want to see him get drafted to?

Probably Devils. I can see them going far with the lineup they have and bunch of super talented guys in their prime in the coming years.

 

[kudla]

just curious.. What team would the Slovaks/Slaf fans want to see him get drafted to?

I'd for sure prefer Devils. Less pressure

 

[Devil made me do it]

What, this again?

I've been watching Slafkovsky with TPS. Maybe you weren't aware but that sort of is my Finnish Liiga team that I sort of follow. I've watched him since B juniors. 19-20. Never been impressed. When his initial draft rankings were first teased - 2 years ago - I was surprised he was projected to go nearly this high.

Nevertheless, at least I'm brave enough to come out with my own opinions rather than deferring.

You are the same guy who once said convincingly that Kakko was going to end up a much better player than Hughes and had the highest ceiling or something like that. How is your prediction going so far?

 

[nergish]

Jeeze, that is one big strong kid.

 

[stastny12]

just curious.. What team would the Slovaks/Slaf fans want to see him get drafted to?

Devils AINEC. I just don´t like Canadiens organisation, as they did not behave fairly towards Slovaks in the past.

 

[Eggtimer]

I can’t overstate how hilarious this is coming from Kakko superfan #1 and someone that shit on Jack Hughes like it was your full time job.

Ya well Jack did make pretty wide turns pre- nhl ….plus Kakko was playing against men . Men ! Lol

Do these refs have camcorders on their helmets or something? Someone should tell them technology has advanced since the 90’s.

Lol ya they look pretty big . Sony “handicam” tried to their head with a big antenna.

Devils AINEC. I just don´t like Canadiens organisation, as they did not behave fairly towards Slovaks in the past.

Then your wish shall come true . Not going to get into who is better but no way the Habs pass on Wright .

 

[Jerzey Devil]

You are the same guy who once said convincingly that Kakko was going to end up a much better player than Hughes and had the highest ceiling or something like that. How is your prediction going so far?

To be fair Jack Hughes has tightened up his wide turns and can now play against men.

 

[Rockomax]

Devils AINEC. I just don´t like Canadiens organisation, as they did not behave fairly towards Slovaks in the past.

Which Slovaks are you referring to? Asking genuinely as I only have Richard Zednik in mind and he was treated well as far as I know.

 

[stastny12]

Which Slovaks are you referring to? Asking genuinely as I only have Richard Zednik in mind and he was treated well as far as I know.

Halak and Tatar.

 

[Eggtimer]

To be fair Jack Hughes has tightened up his wide turns and can now play against men.

I was kidding about Hughes . People were shitting on him for stupid reasons .

 

[Jerzey Devil]

I was kidding about Hughes . People were shitting on him for stupid reasons .

I know. I think he was the guy who tried to say Jack’s turns we’re too wide.

 

[Dirtyf1ghter]

I was kidding about Hughes . People were shitting on him for stupid reasons .

In 2019, he had zero balance on his skates. At the slightest touch, he had his nose in the ice. It was funny.

 

[Ivo]

just curious.. What team would the Slovaks/Slaf fans want to see him get drafted to?

Boston Bruins. But since that is not going to happen, I think the Devils would actually be a great fit.

 

[RC51]

Halak and Tatar.

wait a minute. The last year of Tatar with the habs he only had 10 goals so do you let him go or sign him for 4-5 mil at 10 goals. as for halak, this is almost funny. Habs had 2 good golies, habs chose Price and now you blame the hABS FOR NOT chosing Halak to keep, and your not blaming 30 other team laughing at the Habs for YEARS NOW STILL with any Halak Ryder and a 2nd, and still nobody wanted that trade. This is the Habs faulty HOW??????

 

[vladis271]

just curious.. What team would the Slovaks/Slaf fans want to see him get drafted to?

Devils for sure. I do not want to go through this way of lack of respect. Maybe there is a little truth with Halak, but when it comes to Tatar. He can be his own worst enemy. But just from a sports perspective. In Montreal, there would be added pressure because of him being a Nr. 1 prospect and especially in such a "hockey city". I think He doesn't need that.

 

[Faterson]

I think He doesn't need that.

"He" as in Slovak McJesus?

(I agree that Montreal would be a bad place – I was hoping for the Flyers or Seattle – and yes, @RC51, Tatar was treated unfairly there. So was Danault, with whom Tatar was forming such a potent line. But I'm very happy the Habs recklessly ditched Danault, too, so that I can enjoy him now on "my" LA Kings!)

 

[bert]

Fluke today with a nice snipe against powerhouse Switzerland?

Not sure why its so hard for so many people just to accept that he is a future NHL star.

Because this poster doesn't have the ability to watch a hockey game and evaluate. He is only capable of reading spread sheets.

 

[bert]

it's not quantifiable.