Juraj Slafkovsky - Unicorn

[LokiDog]

As a bit more of a power forward build, I’m not surprised Slaf didn’t kill it immediately as an 18 year old, considering his physical gifts were always going to be less of a difference maker at the NHL level. Always liked his tools though and comparing to other recent top 2 picks, he’s finding his game relatively quick and I like what it looks like. Never been a Habs fan but I do like just about all of their youth and he looks like he’ll be just fine.

 

[Guess]

As a bit more of a power forward build, I’m not surprised Slaf didn’t kill it immediately as an 18 year old, considering his physical gifts were always going to be less of a difference maker at the NHL level. Always liked his tools though and comparing to other recent top 2 picks, he’s finding his game relatively quick and I like what it looks like. Never been a Habs fan but I do like just about all of their youth and he looks like he’ll be just fine.

Slaf was really not ready for the pace of the game in his first season. That's still a work in progress, but he's adapted better throughout the season and starting to show the traits that made him a top pick.

It's still an enigma what Slaf will eventually turn into but I'm pretty sure he will be a high impact player, in his words 'the man'

 

[Frank Drebin]

You think my ranking is based on point totals? That must be why I had Poitras over Slaf. Oh wait.

I guarantee you I've watched more of these kids than you have.

Man some of you Habs fans just can't cope with the idea that not everyone thinks Slafkovsky is the best player from his draft. Such a fragile group.

I hardly give a crap what real analysts and scouts have to say, you think anyone really cares about a biased hfboards posters opinion?

 

[HugeInTheShire]

No, when he finally arrives means when he reaches his peak in 4 years or so. Assuming he gets there. Lots of development is needed. Ditto Jiricek. I still think Jiri will be the better player when it is all said and done.

Believe me, i have seen the type of mistakes Nemec has made this season. The comical 2 on 1 against the Habs as an example. He will get there.

Anyways this thread is about Slaf and his development. Exciting to see his progress.

Sure when Slaf finally gets there he’ll be pretty good

 

[Boss Man Hughes]

How's Gurianov doing? About as well as your first overall selection. LUL

Another ridiculous post eh. No Hab fan thought there was more than a remote chance Gurianov would be anything. Thanks to that worthless asshole Dadonov doing nothing for years that was all Hughes could get for him.

 

[Guadana]

Great to see Slaf is doing better and better. Not as good as Nemec or Cooley or Minty but much better than Jiricek and way much better than Wright. Mtl fans should have patience, power forward peak isn't in two three years from the draft. And the team should have more depth and better second (or first) line center. Better depth - better impact from every pieces.
Slaf has potential to be 65-70 points player at his peak, or may be even more with better center depth. I believe if Hutson will adapt his game on NHL level, he will help to maximize the impact from Slaf too.

 

[nhlfan9191]

Great to see Slaf is doing better and better. Not as good as Nemec or Cooley or Minty but much better than Jiricek and way much better than Wright. Mtl fans should have patience, power forward peak isn't in two three years from the draft. And the team should have more depth and better second (or first) line center. Better depth - better impact from every pieces.
Slaf has potential to be 65-70 points player at his peak, or may be even more with better center depth. I believe if Hutson will adapt his game on NHL level, he will help to maximize the impact from Slaf too.

The bolded isn’t true and hasn’t been for awhile now.

 

[Guadana]

The bolded isn’t true and hasn’t been for awhile now.

From jan 1 his xGF is 42%, Cooley has 50.74, Minty played only four games but yeah -36%, Nemec has 54.4%.
In this season in 27 games as defenseman Nemec has 14 points. Slaf has 22, in 50 games. Cooley has 25 p in 48g, Mintyukov has 19p in 40 games as defenseman.


Mostly it is true and will continue to be for a long time most likely. At least until Slaf will not take his peak AND mtl will not find a better more electric center for him.

 

[Spargon]

So we've had threads on both extremes. One he's the worst 1st overall pick ever and now he's a unicorn special rare player. Truth lies in the middle but will be interesting to see which side he ends up closer to in the end

 

[bleedgreen]

I never said that. Primary points are inherently more valuable than secondary points, but neither of those numbers indicate a players worth. They literally just tell you who has been more productive.

You're really reaching here. I know you're offended that someone may prefer other players to Slaf, but stop wasting my time.

There’s plenty of plays on a daily basis where the tough pass involved was the second assist.

 

[WhiskeyYerTheDevils]

There’s plenty of plays on a daily basis where the tough pass involved was the second assist.

Of course, often times the 2nd assists are better plays than the goal. But in the aggregate, primary points are more valuable and have a higher level of predictability (based on autoregressive testing).

 

[Junohockeyfan]

Sure when Slaf finally gets there he’ll be pretty good

I think so too! I believe he will be the crown jewel if the draft in 3 years. I do believe Cooley. And Jiricek will be next. After that Nemec / Minty or someone else who hasn’t made strides yet.

 

[bleedgreen]

Of course, often times the 2nd assists are better plays than the goal. But in the aggregate, primary points are more valuable and have a higher level of predictability (based on autoregressive testing).

I don’t think I’m going to agree with you on this one.

 

[Felidae]

The most polarizing 1st overall pick in a long time. You wouldn't think you'd be able to describe a 1st overall as an underdog but that's exactly what he is. Makes it very easy to root for his success, hope he becomes an elite player.

 

[Washed Up 29YearOld]

The man has arrived.

Very happy for you Habs fans.

Remember this one?: 'IMaGiNe tAnKing fOr tWo yEaRs and only ending up with Slafkovsky and Reinbacher."

Haha I think both will end up just fine.

"worst 1st OA of all time" Lol

 

[Deebs]

Of course, often times the 2nd assists are better plays than the goal. But in the aggregate, primary points are more valuable and have a higher level of predictability (based on autoregressive testing).

Every point is equal....based on 100 years of hockey testing

 

[WhiskeyYerTheDevils]

The most polarizing 1st overall pick in a long time. You wouldn't think you'd be able to describe a 1st overall as an underdog but that's exactly what he is. Makes it very easy to root for his success, hope he becomes an elite player.

Completely agree. I was a big fan of Hughes choosing to "go against the grain" and not take the guy who was heralded as the surefire 1OA for so many years leading up to the draft. Reminded me a bit of the Devils taking Hischier over Patrick in 2017, though Patrick wasn't as hyped as Wright and had some valid injury concerns.

I really hated the amount of toxic posts from Habs fans at the draft lamenting the pick, and it got even worse after his (predictable) struggles last year. He's still got a ways to go, but he's on a very promising trajectory.

 

[DaPhazz]

Horribly.

LUL.

 

[waitin425]

Of course, often times the 2nd assists are better plays than the goal. But in the aggregate, primary points are more valuable and have a higher level of predictability (based on autoregressive testing).

 

[WetcoastOrca]

He got two goals last game?
Unicorn status confirmed!

 

[JeffreyLFC]

He's on pace for 36 points lol

It depends. Considering his age and progression in the last 20 games, it is very encouraging. Not many would have thought Jack Hughes, David Pastrnak, Mikko Rantanen or more recently Quinton Byfield would have turned as great player after their 2nd season in the NHL.

 

[Lafleurs Guy]

Very happy with his development. Very coachable player and he continues to improve.

 

[jgimp]

I don’t mind the pick but think he should have been given time to marinade either at home or in Laval. Not every 1st OA need to be rushed into the show.
He still probably develops into a good player. He has the skills and just needed time to catch up.

 

[MrHeiskanen]

LUL.

It's about being honest and realistic. Posting the truth. Tough ask for homers tho.

 

[DaPhazz]

It's about being honest and realistic. Posting the truth. Tough ask for homers tho.

Must be tough indeed, stay strong