What I really appreciate about Slaffy is that he’s not just going through the motions—he’s clearly invested in the team’s success. From his body language to the way he celebrates his teammates’ achievements, it’s obvious he genuinely wants to be a part of something bigger. That kind of buy-in, especially from a young player, speaks volumes about his character and maturity. He’s bringing the right attitude to the room and to the ice, and that’s not always a given with high picks early in their development.
Last night, we caught a glimpse of what he’s capable of when everything clicks. His ability to get involved in high-danger areas and impact the game physically is what sets him apart. One thing I think needs to be emphasized more is his usage on the power play—specifically in front of the net. With his size and reach, he can be a nightmare for goaltenders if he commits to consistently screening and battling for position. That’s the kind of presence that changes the dynamic of a man advantage, forcing defenders to adjust and opening up shooting lanes for the rest of the unit.
Physically, he’s still growing into his frame, which makes the flashes of dominance even more exciting. Like Mikko Rantanen early in his career, Slaffy has that raw combination of size, strength, and soft hands that just needs a little time and confidence to fully come together. You can already see the game slowing down for him—he’s making smarter reads, protecting the puck more effectively, and showing improved timing in transition.
What stands out most to me is that his game seems tailor-made for playoff hockey. He’s the type of player who can wear down opponents over a seven-game series, create chaos in the offensive zone, and chip in with timely production. He might not be putting up huge numbers just yet, but the foundation is there for him to be a real difference-maker when the intensity ramps up.
All in all, I really like where his game is heading, and I honestly think he could be a sneaky X-factor for us come playoff time.