Player Discussion Juraj Slafkovsky Discussion

Not sure....he is certainly strong in his opinions, but he did come around at end of last year with Slaf. I also agree with him on numerous other topics. Its just the strong negative opinions of Slaf that get to me.
But he went right back to his original comments after Slaf's slow start this year, repeating his cycle of double speak.
 
Juraj "crow master chef" Slafkovsky

:crow: buffet is open, usual suspects have been lined up with their plates in hand for weeks now lol

Slafkovsky > Bedard
Slafkovsky > Cooley
Slafkovsky > Wright
Slafkovsky ~ Fantilli
Celebrini > Slafkovsky
I haven’t seen enough of the other guys today either way but at the very least his production is close enough to all these guys while playing on a high end first line on a playoff team.

As well as the other things he brings. I still think he can be a LOT better and I’m not even talking about consistency. I could be wrong but I think he has massive upside
 
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.
 
I haven’t seen enough of the other guys today either way but at the very least his production is close enough to all these guys while playing on a high end first line on a playoff team.

As well as the other things he brings. I still think he can be a LOT better and I’m not even talking about consistency. I could be wrong but I think he has massive upside

Fully agree.

The ceiling is quite clearly massive.

The rush to claim it much lower because he isn't producing some imagined 1OA D1, D2, D3 trajectory was always a misunderstanding of what elite athlete development really is.

Too much Moneyball & video games thinking
 
Fully agree.

The ceiling is quite clearly massive.

The rush to claim it much lower because he isn't producing some imagined 1OA D1, D2, D3 trajectory was always a misunderstanding of what elite athlete development really is.

Too much Moneyball & video games thinking
He compares favourably to other superstars at the same age. As well as other giant forwards at the same age such as Knies, Thompson, Nichushkin, Strome and Byfield. Better starts than all of them I believe. Production wise at least. Much better honestly. Compared to them he’s far ahead of schedule as well.

I can get a bit of frustration with inconsistency but the overscouting is kind of tedious. Honestly though like you said it’s the 1OA tag. Heck if he was picked even 2nd I think people would lay off.

Either way when he puts it all together that line is gonna be evil.
 
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.
I can't like anymore but you've been on fire lately great post.
His willingness to improve and be molded into the best player he can be is a big difference from guys like KK or Chucky
I can see Slaf wearing an A one day.
Love his attitude.
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Slafkovsky > Bedard
Slafkovsky > Cooley
Slafkovsky > Wright
Slafkovsky ~ Fantilli
Celebrini > Slafkovsky
I am sorry, but absolutely not. Celebrini in his first year has looked better than Salf at any point in his career, obviously, but Bedard has no supporting cast, and has been like Hutson or Demidov with Newhook, surrounded by players who absolutely squander his impeccable work. The failings of those around him have only rendered him a superior player because of the diversity of skills - refining his shot so that he has become an all-around threat rather than a playmaker primarily - he's honed due to his innate hockey intelligence and capacity for adaptation.

Cooley blows Slafkovksy out of the water in terms of raw talent and is a center to boot.

Fantilli is a glorious powerfoward with far more offensive and defensive skill and one who likewise occupies a far more valuable position.

To put him above any of these players is ignorant or biased to the point of being utterly laughable.
 
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.
Revisionist history...last night for over 2 periods he played poorly. Finally woke up in the 3rd. It seems to me a guy earning almost $8M per year and playing in the last game of the year to make the playoffs for the first time in his career and with his physical attributes should hit the ON switch when the puck drops in the first period. That is my issue.
 
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Revisionist history...last night for over 2 periods he played poorly. Finally woke up in the 3rd. It seems to me a guy earning almost $8M per year and playing in the last game of the year to make the playoffs for the first time in his career and with his physical attributes should hit the ON switch when the puck drops in the first period. That is my issue.
Well good thing he's making 950 k this year :)

We can cry over the caphit next year but certainly not this year where he's been pretty good down the stretch
 
There is not a single sane person who wouldn't as he's a far superior player, just like all of the others listed save Wright, who is roughly on par with him at this point and has had a better development curve.

Cooley still sucks at faceoffs and they're pretty comparable 5v5 with Cooley being a more involved with the puck and Slafkovsky more of a physical player and creating space. Both have decent tools defensively but still leave a lot to be desired there. The big difference point-wise is PP roles.

If you preferred Cooley before you still would, but if you preferred Slafkovsky there shouldn't be close to enough to change your mind.
 
Revisionist history...last night for over 2 periods he played poorly. Finally woke up in the 3rd. It seems to me a guy earning almost $8M per year and playing in the last game of the year to make the playoffs for the first time in his career and with his physical attributes should hit the ON switch when the puck drops in the first period. That is my issue.
He needs to believe he belongs. Confidence is the missing piece right now—and let’s be real, when you're going toe-to-toe with the best players on Earth, it’s not easy to walk in with swagger, especially when you’re a 21-year-old kid still figuring it all out. That kind of belief doesn’t just appear overnight. It gets forged in fire.

The tools? They’re all there. Size that turns heads. Skill that flashes. Hockey IQ that’s only going to sharpen. But the switch he needs to flick is rage mode. He’s at his best when he’s pissed off—playing angry, with a chip on his shoulder and something to prove. That’s when he becomes a freight train you don’t want barreling down on you.

Let’s not forget—the $8 million? That starts next year. And you know what? He gives a damn. He loves this team, loves his teammates, and wants to be part of something big. He's not here to coast. He’s here to become the guy.

And once he grows into that herculean frame of his? Watch the f*** out. Because when it all clicks, when the confidence catches up with the talent—he’s not just playing. He’s dominating. He’s taking names, crushing egos, and making his mark loud enough for the whole league to hear.

It’s coming. And when it does? The rest of the league better have their heads on a swivel. Bodies will hit the ice.
 
He needs to believe he belongs. Confidence is the missing piece right now—and let’s be real, when you're going toe-to-toe with the best players on Earth, it’s not easy to walk in with swagger, especially when you’re a 21-year-old kid still figuring it all out. That kind of belief doesn’t just appear overnight. It gets forged in fire.

The tools? They’re all there. Size that turns heads. Skill that flashes. Hockey IQ that’s only going to sharpen. But the switch he needs to flick is rage mode. He’s at his best when he’s pissed off—playing angry, with a chip on his shoulder and something to prove. That’s when he becomes a freight train you don’t want barreling down on you.

Let’s not forget—the $8 million? That starts next year. And you know what? He gives a damn. He loves this team, loves his teammates, and wants to be part of something big. He's not here to coast. He’s here to become the guy.

And once he grows into that herculean frame of his? Watch the f*** out. Because when it all clicks, when the confidence catches up with the talent—he’s not just playing. He’s dominating. He’s taking names, crushing egos, and making his mark loud enough for the whole league to hear.

It’s coming. And when it does? The rest of the league better have their heads on a swivel. Bodies will hit the ice.
I hope all this comes together...we are on the same side.
 
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Well good thing he's making 950 k this year :)

We can cry over the caphit next year but certainly not this year where he's been pretty good down the stretch
i would love making $950K soon to be $7+M playing hockey. He needs to have his on switch on all the time and not just for a few minutes in the 3rd in a do or die game. Crosby, McDavid, Kucherov, etc don't take 2/3 of the game off.
 
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Is Bedard even better than Caufield? He hasn't shown it yet. And they look the same size on the ice. I would keep Slafkovsky over Bedard.
You can't be serious....This is probably one of the biggest homer take in HF. Caufield best season has at the age of 24 (70pts) vs Bedard 67 pts at the age of 19 (second worst club in the league).
He hasn't shown it yet???? Bedard is playing in the NHL at 18 years old....vs 20+ for Caufield.
 
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Theres only Wright thats even comparable to Slaf on this list.
Cooley gets a lot of love on these boards. I see what you see in him. Skill is extremely high in your equation. I just have a completely different philosophy in evaluating players. I use different values. I prefer Michkov over Reinbacher as BPA but I pick him with a tinge of disgust.
 
You can't be serious....This is probably one of the biggest homer take in HF. Caufield best season has at the age of 24 (70pts) vs Bedard 67 pts at the age of 19 (second worst club in the league).
He hasn't shown it yet???? Bedard is playing in the NHL at 18 years old....vs 20+ for Caufield.
If the discussion is about who is better today then age is irrelevant and there's certainly a case for saying Caufield is better. If talking who is going to be better over the next 5 years, then yeah it's almost certainly Bedard unless something goes really really wrong for him.
 
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Revisionist history...last night for over 2 periods he played poorly. Finally woke up in the 3rd. It seems to me a guy earning almost $8M per year and playing in the last game of the year to make the playoffs for the first time in his career and with his physical attributes should hit the ON switch when the puck drops in the first period. That is my issue.
what the hell are you talking about dude
 
Cooley gets a lot of love on these boards. I see what you see in him. Skill is extremely high in your equation. I just have a completely different philosophy in evaluating players. I use different values. I prefer Michkov over Reinbacher as BPA but I pick him with a tinge of disgust.
Cooley isn't Michkov, he's a 6' two-way C that plays with a lot of pace. This is just a lie that the Slaf-cope machine created lol.
 
Revisionist history...last night for over 2 periods he played poorly. Finally woke up in the 3rd. It seems to me a guy earning almost $8M per year and playing in the last game of the year to make the playoffs for the first time in his career and with his physical attributes should hit the ON switch when the puck drops in the first period. That is my issue.

Nonsense.

The assessment that "he played poorly over 2 periods" holds no water whatsoever.

One of the best forwards on the ice each period.

As @dackelljuneaubulis02 pointed out, the tedious overscouting leads to baseless assessments.

No hockey player is "ON" every shift if the expectation is that they produce points or play their "best shift" all the time... And even more out of touch if one ignores the impact of age and maturity on consistency.

Holding any player to unrealistic expectations is a great way to justify intense skepticism and doubt, but to what end? Nitpicking for the sake of nitpicking is such an odd approach
 
Cooley isn't Michkov, he's a 6' two-way C that plays with a lot of pace. This is just a lie that the Slaf-cope machine created lol.
I don't cope with Cooley. I was never interested in him ever vs Slaf... We really have different values about what we look in a hockey player. And that's OK. You may be right, I may be wrong. Many hockey people (not just trolls on the main board) prefer Cooley. They might be right.

Heck, the HHOF has Pat Lafontaine in. Lafontaine had higher hockey IQ, was more productive, had betters skills than Claude Lemieux, who's not in the HHOF. Still, I would take Lemieux over Lafontaine in a nanosecond, because I feel he's a much harder player to play against. Yashin also had every single metrics double over Mike Peca. His offensive IQ was through the roof vs Peca. Still, I want Peca. Yashin does not interest me.
 

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