Player Discussion Juraj Slafkovsky discussion

[ReHabs]

I still have him as a prototypical winger, read-react-crash type as well, but his tools are so good it works when he is in motion. I think he just needs xp to reach his ceiling. He’s known as a fast learner too.

I’m watching Gallagher string together 5-6 smart decisions in a row on the fly these days and figure there is hope for all. The game before last Gally was carrying it in the neutral zone, he looked over at his linemates changing, so he decided to carry it middle into the 3 opposing players, put the puck just behind them once they converged and forced them to turn around or get an interference call. He took 3 guys with him, got possession back and the team got full changes. How much of that is xp vs innate iq I don’t know but I was impressed.

Gallagher's always been a smart player. His 5on5 play attests to it, unfortunately he's losing his wheels and he's injury history has caught up with him. I won't say I've always been a big fan but when he's on the ice he doesn't make mistakes. I don't know how much is earned XP or innate IQ either.

I see Slaf as a Matheson, Anderson, type vs a Guhle or Suzuki. A highly efficient nervous system is not high iq (that is deduction/anticipation power).

When he starts thinking and watching the puck his feet stop and he looks like a noob I agree. When he’s moving he’s really efficient and useful and pulls out awesome plays.

I don't like reading this stuff about Slaf, I don't want it to be true. Like I said, he reminds me of other tools-but-no-toolbox players. I hope with experience he makes better plays but I've decided I won't get mad about him or get mad that people do the emperor's-new-clothes routine about him any more. Que sera sera.

I'm still upbeat about his impact in the playoffs, he's probably most dangerous when teams don't game plan for him -- because he is skilled.

 

[ahmedou]

Slaf on Dobes:

"I'd say he’s a gamer. During the practice, I score like every shot. Then during the game, no one can score on him. He’s just a gamer.”