Juraj Slafkovsky - Unicorn

[Heffyhoof]

Do you know who's definitely better than Slafkovsky? This Seamus Casey kid. I'd offer him to the poor bereft Habs fans for Slaf and Hutson at this point just to give them a break. If pressed for more, a used Cooley hockey stick could be added to Casey.

 

[HugeInTheShire]

Playing but not at a level of a bonafide 2nd pairing. Too inconsistent. Of course you will disagree because of your bias…

I think if you knew me at all, you'd know I'm not that biased. Nemec is playing great, but he still makes mistakes, like every player does.
My issue wasn't about his level of play it was about you specifically saying "when he finally arrives" which implies that he's not currently in the NHL, which is factually incorrect.
You can strawman all you'd like and say that now you're talking about his play, but you pretty clearly thinking he was still in the AHL.

 

[Guess]

He's a promising young player, but I still don't think the Habs made the right pick. Slaf wasn't a bad pick, and they certainly dodged a bullet with Wright, but I think they missed an opportunity to draft a dynamic top line center in Cooley, which has been a need in Montreal since I can remember. Cooley + Caufield would have been a pretty dangerous duo, and would have allowed Suzuki to eventually slot in as a 2C, which is a better fit for him.

That doesn't detract from the fact that Slaf is playing very well, and he does in fact have an extremely rare and valuable combination of skills. But he also gets to play with arguably the best linemates of anyone from his draft, and is still only 5th in PPG among 2022 picks (with 2 of the guys ahead of him being defenseman).

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Among guys already in the NHL, I would probably rank Slaf 4th or 5th in a redraft. Cooley, Nemec, and Mintyukov have all shown more promise IMO (and that's not a knock and Slaf). I think he would be battling it out with Jiricek for that 4th spot. I know that makes it sound like I am hating on the kid, but that draft is looking pretty strong, especially among D.

I guess you are happy that the Habs didn't pick Wright then, because the rumors are the Devils would have taken Slaf

 

[Zarzh]

I've never gotten the argument for Cooley above Slaf, unless we're calling Cooley a future Hall of Famer. They compete for different roles, and Cooley doesn't do much that's unique. I don't care if Cooley averages 70 in his prime, and Slaf averages 50, Slaf is still far more valuable.

It's much easier to regret passing on Nemec than Cooley.

 

[Bouboumaster]

SkafGOATsky having a few choice words for his detractors (And Xhekaj too)

 

[Snatcher Demko]

Great to see the kid progressing well. Fans expectations are just too harsh.

 

[Artaud]

Who said all I do is read box scores? Sounds like something you made up in your head.

I said it. I did not make it up, I stated it after careful consideration of the fact that you ranked the draft class by looking at the points-per-game leader so far this season, with a screenshot of said ranking as proof of your lazy analysis. That is a useless opinion, because anyone can look up those statistics. But most people recognize that points production is not the be-all-end-all of player evaluation, especially when projecting the careers of 19 year old kids.

 

[mr figgles]

Sure but part of him being the first overall thanks was his NHL readiness compared to the rest of the draft class

But maybe Slaf is Slovak for Laf eh?

Already has more points in less games at the same age, eh?

 

[WhiskeyYerTheDevils]

I said it. I did not make it up, I stated it after careful consideration of the fact that you ranked the draft class by looking at the points-per-game leader so far this season, with a screenshot of said ranking as proof of your lazy analysis. That is a useless opinion, because anyone can look up those statistics. But most people recognize that points production is not the be-all-end-all of player evaluation, especially when projecting the careers of 19 year old kids.

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.

 

[Heffyhoof]

Man some posters just can't cope with the idea that basically nobody but themselves have such a high opinion of their opinion. "I guarantee I've watched more than you!"

 

[WhiskeyYerTheDevils]

Man some posters just can't cope with the idea that basically nobody but themselves have such a high opinion of their opinion. "I guarantee I've watched more than you!"

Disagreement is welcome, I fully respect others have different opinions, and that either of us could end up right. But intentionally misrepresenting my statements and making up BS to try and discredit my posts is objectively pathetic and reeks of insecurity. All this because some fans can't handle people having different opinions.

 

[GhostfaceWu]

Imagine making a thread to flex in your first overall on a pace of 30ish points

 

[swiftwin]

Imagine making a thread to flex in your first overall on a pace of 30ish points

nOt ThE wOrSt FiRsT oVeRaLl pIcK eVeR!

 

[Guess]

History would tell us that we should have very little trust in the scouting ability of NHL teams.

I would agree with you, but also ask you to post a list of all of your former picks and how they turned out (and not cherry pick with only the good ones) to see how you fare compared to the consensus.

That would help your case.

 

[Coffee]

Let's be honest. 90% of non-habs fans expressing an opinion on Slaf have not watched him on a consistent basis outside of highlights. Let's not bullshit each other here.

Trust habs fans when they say that he's been developing very well and showing high end skill. He's been growing into his skill level every game. There has been no regression in his game. Everything he's had to learn, he has been learning and has shown 0 slow down.

Also, just because there isn't a McDavid/Hughes/Crosby level talent in the 2022 draft doesn't mean Slaf isnt 1OA worthy. If he's the best player in the 2022 draft, then he was a 1OA pick.

That number is closer to 70percent but yeah otherwise agreed

 

[swiftwin]

The term "unicorn" in a sports context usually refers to someone with a rare and valuable mix of attributes. Even if he busts, Slaf is still a unicorn. Bratt is a great player but i'm not sure the term fits.

Think like Ken Griffey jr, Eric Lindros, Lebron, Shaq, etc...

Currently in the NHL, the closest thing to a unicorn is probably Brady Tkachuk.

 

[WhiskeyYerTheDevils]

I would agree with you, but also ask you to post a list of all of your former picks and how they turned out (and not cherry pick with only the good ones) to see how you fare compared to the consensus.

That would help your case.

I'm not saying I'm any better, my point was that appealing to scouting consensus doesn't make sense. If you have an opinion on a player, own it.

 

[TopG]

He's shit tbh

 

[Junohockeyfan]

I think if you knew me at all, you'd know I'm not that biased. Nemec is playing great, but he still makes mistakes, like every player does.
My issue wasn't about his level of play it was about you specifically saying "when he finally arrives" which implies that he's not currently in the NHL, which is factually incorrect.
You can strawman all you'd like and say that now you're talking about his play, but you pretty clearly thinking he was still in the AHL.

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.

 

[Junohockeyfan]

Whenever there is a Slavovsky thread, insecure NJD fans spam with their little jabs at Slaf. Must be jealousy.

The rest of us are enjoying the rapid development in his game.

 

[ole ole]

Trust habs fans? The same fans that thought they stole Gurianov and Mr. St. Louis would make him an All-Star?

Sorry but it's hard to trust a fanbase with such blatant disregard for the truth.

Maybe you should speak the truth instead of making up complete BS.

 

[MrHeiskanen]

Maybe you should speak the truth instead of making up complete BS.

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

 

[ole ole]

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

Our 1st is doing fine. How did drafting Gurianov work out for you guys?
Still a few salty ones around.
Back to Slaf . Started out slow but he has progressed a lot.
Next season will reveal a lot more.

 

[MrHeiskanen]

Our 1st is doing fine. How did drafting Gurianov work out for you guys?

Horribly.

 

[Andrei79]

Are people really replying to someone posting "LUL".

My seven year old doesn't even do that.

In any case, Slaf has been on an almost 60 point pace lately. The people saying he's on a good line have it all wrong. That line was slumping before they put Slaf there. Ever since he "got" it, Slaf has been the play driver on every line he's been on, including with Monahan who the bright bulb LUL posting geniuses valued as a third round pick.