le_sean
Registered User
- Oct 21, 2006
- 39,800
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Yes I do believe it. At least a certain poster, 100%. Just wants the validation because all he talks about is how much he dislikes the player, that’s he’s no good and that he’s right about him.
Player Discussion Juraj Slafkovsky Discussion
- Thread starter MarkovsKnee
- Start date
MasterD
Giggidy Giggidy Goo
- Jul 1, 2004
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There's your whole problem. You have this idea in your head that a 1st OA pick is a Bedard of a McDavid.
Sometimes it is, sometimes it's not.
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins is not that. Ekblad is not that (not like Hutson, Makar, Hughes...). Nico Hischier is not that. Lafrenière is not that. Owen Power is not that.
It was a weak draft. Cooley ain't that, Wright ain't that, Nemec ain't that. Stop trying to judge Slaf on whatever you decided a 1OA is supposed to look like, and judge him on what his potential was on draft day. On draft day his potential was to be a very good top6 winger with size. That's it. No one ever said he was going to be flashy and get people out of their seats.
Your expections are the problem, not Slaf.
Had they been in the same draft year, Reinbacher, Dach and Demidov would have been picked before Slaf, no question.
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The improvements he's made are 100% undeniable, and there's nothing to suggest he is plateauing or stagnant in his development. I'm very excited by what I see because while the consistency still needs to be there, he's becoming a lot more efficient.
The problem for a lot of fans is some of the most important and impactful parts of his game aren't flashy but they create possession and chances. Too many people don't understand the nuances of how his ability to keep the puck in the zone leads to Caufield and Suzuki scoring. As he keeps growing (he's 20!) into his frame, that kind of possession ability will become a bit more entertaining and noticeable, but in his current state he really makes some great plays with his stick that go unnoticed by the stat watchers
The problem for a lot of fans is some of the most important and impactful parts of his game aren't flashy but they create possession and chances. Too many people don't understand the nuances of how his ability to keep the puck in the zone leads to Caufield and Suzuki scoring. As he keeps growing (he's 20!) into his frame, that kind of possession ability will become a bit more entertaining and noticeable, but in his current state he really makes some great plays with his stick that go unnoticed by the stat watchers
- Jan 18, 2022
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Well, no not exactly. I think he’s been treated like a 1OA by the organization and that’s part of the problem.
He got a NHL spot in his D+1 he didn’t earn, he got a spot on the top line in his D+2 he didn’t earn, and on the eve of his D+3 he got a jumbo contract he didn’t earn. Now once again he’s been given a top line spot (pretty much due to a lack of competition) and is a fixture on the PP despite his awful bottom-tier PP production and performance.
Tell me I’m wrong and unfairly tilted against him.
Every time he has a hot streak there is a lot of garbage written about him and his eye-watering, dazzling upside. Those comments establish an expectation too, they contribute to the hype too.
Maybe you choose to only respond to those of us who express criticism of his bad performances but this whole thing reads as disingenuous from you.
On one hand are the commentators who claim he will be a Hart trophy candidate and on the other is you insisting that I’m wrong for expecting him to shoot the puck more often than once on goal in 20min of TOI — “don’t criticize Slaf, no matter what” is the objective, I guess… and I’m not convinced Slaf has earned such a reputation and so much leeway from the fans either. It’s all hype based on his draft position and “potential” that is very hard to actually define.
CristianoRonaldo
Registered User
Best part about it is that if he's at ~70pts next year, I bet we'll still hear from him some frustration that he isn't even better than that
Around 70 points but not as soon as next year, but when he's fully developed, if he gets near 60 points next season, I would be happy.
You are wrong. The problem with your arguments Rehab is that they ooze a bias against the player. "He didn't earn". According to who? He earned his NHL spot (according to the team), he earned his spot on the top line (according to the team) and he earned his "jumbo contract" (according to the team.)
What makes you smarter than those that run the Montreal Canadiens? Stop talking like your opinion is fact when those that are charged with running the team is contrary to it. You look foolish.
And everytime he doesn't shoot more than once in a game...you come lurking in here to criticize him. We discuss his upside because that is what we are banking on. As per the "jumbo contract" the team is banking on that as well. So when we come in here after a dominant game we come in here to discuss the evidence which support his upside and contract. Again......your opinion has been shared....but stop sharing it like it is fact....when it is contrary to the majority of fans and the team.
Disingenuous? No...that was the crow you were eating last year. You came in here eating humble pie after the back half of last season.....and now you are back to your tired old nonsense. Your obsession with being right here couldn't be more obvious.
Criticize his play.....talk about your concerns...that is fair play on here.....stop talking like your opinions and observations are facts. That is why you get called out here over and over again. It is your delivery.
When you speak to his "potential" being hard to define, what exactly do you mean? His potential is pretty clear to the majority of us. It was clear to the Habs on draft day and again when they signed him to a "jumbo contract". He has the potential to be a top line power forward. In my OPINION based on what I've seen so far from his statistical output to his ability to use his size and body he is on track to continue towards that.
In my OPINION he will never be a line driver. He will not carry lesser players. He will not make worse players better. But, I believe he has the ability to make better players better. In his prime....I believe....that he will be a 70+ point winger who uses his size and skill to create space for his linemates that will assist them in reaching their peaks. ALL MY OPINION.....which I believe is supported by his play and is aligned with the management of the team we are all supposed to cheer for.
- Jan 18, 2022
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Is your point that sport teams never make any mistakes or that Slafkovsky is perfect and beyond criticism?
Might as well shut the forum down, waiting425 doesn’t like it when different fans have different perspectives. It offends his delicate sensitivities when someone expects more than 1 SoG in two must win game from Slafkovsky.
Talking about fair criticism, gimme a break. Criticizing a player’s performance is precisely that and it still riles you up. Face the facts, you don’t like that some of us don’t like how Slafkovsky plays. I accept the opposite: I’m not trying to change your mind. If you are satisfied with 1 SoG in consecutive games that’s your own deal, I’m not.
If you think he’s developing the right way that’s fine. You’ll never “eat crow” and I’ll never try to serve it. We’re not pundits, we’re commentators. There is no ledger.
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No my point is that your opinion is contrary to the majority of fans as well as the team. You are an outlier. Yet, you repeatedly come at this argument like you speak facts.
I enjoy friendly banter and reading intelligent posters who have different opinions than my own. Some are more assertive than others, and can usually back it up. I frequently change my opinion based on new information that is offered by other posters. I have agreed with you on several other topics. Your obsession with being right about Slaf is off the charts.
Delicate sensitivities....HA! Nope....I've just allowed you to annoy me again.
- Jan 18, 2022
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Would it surprise you that I sincerely do not mind if a majority of Habs fans disagree with me? Just accept the plurality of voices, it’ll be less frustrating for you.
I enjoy calling out BS and after all the “where are the haters now??” comments it’s perfectly adequate to dish it right back with facts when Slaf lays an egg.
It don’t like it when Slaf plays badly, in fact it frustrates me a ton. I hate how he interprets the game.
I’ve written many times about his good performances and how he should play (NB: Slaf explicitly stated the same things as I did. We’re rather aligned on that) — when any player doesn’t play to his abilities I get frustrated. Slaf’s entire playstyle is frustrating.
Btw: it’s not necessary to constantly state “in my opinion” before producing statements. It’s clearly implied. Who else’s opinion would it be…?
Pat Riot
Registered User
- Sep 30, 2017
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I honestly feel its the contrary. If you only watch stats , Slaf is doing fine for a 20 years old players. When you watch the games, you can see he seems lost at times, doesnt win enough battle on the boards, makes bad passes and doesnt use his shot. There is a little improvement but this season look a lot like last season. He need to find consistency and that will comes with time.
Yep.
He is playing with very good players and he is so far behind them stats wise..but ok he just turned 21.
His play is even more concerning in majority of games. His decision making is still a problem.
If he doesn't improve his decision making on the pp especially, I would not be surprise to see Demidov's taking his spot on the PP1 early next year.
Demidov could permutate with Suzuki.
Slaf will improve no doubt in my mind and he will be so important for this team but the Habs will be stack soon on the PP1 so MSL will have to take hard decisions
Pat Riot
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- Sep 30, 2017
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He has the size to be useful in front of the net in the PP. He will get better at deflecting puck and scores from rebound. Demidov will be on the first PP wave for sure but maybe it would be better to put Laine or Caufield on the second wave since the excel shooting from the same spot. It would make our second unit more dangerous too
Naslundforever
43-67-110
- Aug 21, 2015
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230lbs 30g 30a power forward for the next decade on the top lines is in itself an amazing promise, part of a contending hab core.
His games where he is flying around and goes to the net HE becomes the problem for the other teams.
The games he hangs back and tries to play like Caufield and Suzuki he just looks bad and always will it’s night and day, he says so, the org says so, fans (well most lol) say so. Demidov will take his pp1 spot, but will never be the potential beast Slaf is (or has demonstrated he can be).
Give him a few years to get consistent, hopefully vets like Anderson and Gallagher keep rubbing off on him. Christ imagine Gallagher’s career if he had this guy’s size and hands. I believe in the kid
And how do you persuade one of them to play on the second wave? Laine will need a contract next season and Caufield is your second best forward. If Kent has 0 plan to sign Laine, I will probably put him in the second wave or trade him in January 2026. Most of Laine points come from the PP. Better to trade him at 50% before he lose his value.
This is like describing his rookie year. The only point I'll concede is that he should shoot more, but he was increased that part of his game anyway. How you came to the conclusion that he doesn't win battles and makes bad passes is lost on me. Sometimes people think they can repeat false narratives enough and they'll eventually be true
Naslundforever
43-67-110
- Aug 21, 2015
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Having a choice for 50-50 pucks (makes no sense obviously) I’d send Suzuki, Hutson (I’m amazed how he consistently comes out with the puck against bigger players, feet already moving and pass options already spotted..).. Gallagher…
As it stands it seems to be a coin flip with Slaf so good news there’s room to grow.
I have no idea what these guy’s stats actually are.
DAChampion
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- May 28, 2011
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Pat Riot
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- Sep 30, 2017
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For a guy his size, he should win more battles on the board and yes he makes many bad passes during a game. It seems like you are trying to convince your self of the contrary. We all want him to succeed but we have to takes the pink glasses off and call it how we see it
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Pat Riot
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- Sep 30, 2017
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Exactly, its not that big of a demotion. Normally they tried to pretty much split the PP evenly between both waves. Even more so if you have Laine or Caufield on it
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GrandmaCookie
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- Feb 10, 2019
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Pat Riot
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I agree that the age excuses are starting to run thin. But the point still stand for now, as a 21 years old player statwise hes doing alright.
Lafleurs Guy
Guuuuuuuy!
- Jul 20, 2007
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SuzukiSZN
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- May 21, 2022
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Suzuki makes bad passes during a game too, Caufield also. Every player in the league. You’re just not overanalyzing their game like you do Slaf.
