Juraj Slafkovsky - Year Two

[Spring in Fialta]

Showed some solid things tonight but man the expectations are crazy low. People were trying so hard to try and argue that Carlsson/Fantilli/Cooley weren't that good in the NHL so far either but Calrssons got 6 goals and 7 points in 9 games, Fantilli has 8 points in 13, and Cooley's got 11 in 14 games. So even if these guys aren't "ready", they have the offensive ability to put up some points which is what you want from your highly drafted forward. Not to mention that I believe a couple of people even said Slaf is in that Carlsson/Fantilli tier as well (although I could be misremembering).

Yeah, hard not to be let down by the pick right now. Even if he turns out to be a really good player, the wait and growing pains aren't worth it if there was a guy like Cooley on the board.

Goddamn this franchise is just incapable of getting the right guy with their high pick.

 

[Gustave]

It's not that I don't want to hear it, I've heard it. We all have. It's just getting boring at this point to be honest and I mean that with no disrespect to you or others.

I am going to comment that I do think the biggest adjustment he needs to make is processing the game at a faster pace, do you think that doing that at a slower pace at a lower level, can actually reinforce his bad habits rather than eliminate them?

Cause I think that's a big reason why they seem so hell-bent on continuing this way.

Fair, so I'll answer your question: I do think the gap between top pace in hockey (NHL) and what he can do warrants the help of a "third wheel" for a short while, just so he can have the feel of the game on his stick, So... yes, I genuinely believe there's an advantage for his growth by going at a lil slower pace to get his markers down.... and unleash that shot which he might be using only in practice these days and that bothers me.

Now, you see eye to eye with mngmt, so I do believe you are right; they believe in the more "deep end" approach to the thing. I'm guessing they feel the growth between last year's play and this season comforts them. Just not my bag, but it's ok.

 

[Garnet76]

In my opinion Slaf has improved from last season but not as quickly as most would like. He's carrying the puck more and his biggest improvement is his board play. Hes throwing his weight around and won multiple board plays against 2 bruins last night. What is holding him back the most at this point is understanding the time and space on the ice. Sometimes he rushes plays and sometimes he's not quick enough. I don't think it's a major concern as this will come with more experience.

 

[Lshap]

It's not that I don't want to hear it, I've heard it. We all have. It's just getting boring at this point to be honest and I mean that with no disrespect to you or others.

I am going to comment that I do think the biggest adjustment he needs to make is processing the game at a faster pace, do you think that doing that at a slower pace at a lower level, can actually reinforce his bad habits rather than eliminate them?

Cause I think that's a big reason why they seem so hell-bent on continuing this way.

Something has to give with Slafkovsky, but until it does we're forced to recycle the same opinions and wait to be proven right or wrong. Personally, I think he should be sent down, but I've already said that, which I admit is boring.

We could place a bunch of orange cones over this thread saying, "Temporarily Closed for Development", but that would just increase traffic in the other threads.

 

[Pegasus75]

your point is flawed because all of Cooley Nemec and Wright would also be disappointments for 1st overalls so what's your point? I don't see how you would be happy to use our treasured first overall on any of these dudes

Cooley would be a disappointment for a 1st Overall???

 

[ReHabs]

Something has to give with Slafkovsky, but until it does we're forced to recycle the same opinions and wait to be proven right or wrong. Personally, I think he should be sent down, but I've already said that, which I admit is boring.

We could place a bunch of orange cones over this thread saying, "Temporarily Closed for Development", but that would just increase traffic in the other threads.

The thing is: we are in unprecedented territory with his under-production.

It's not just "bad for an NHLer, decent for a youngster", it's plainly bad no matter what age. But to be even more precise it is "very bad for an NHLer, catastrophic for a 1OA" production. Something has to give, and most possible outcomes are not too pretty. For our sake I hope Slafkovsky turns the corner ASAP. To my eyes it seems like he's still incapable of making plays -- the same problem he's had since his draft year and has shown no progression.

 

[Gustave]

I agree.

I especially have a sequence in memory on the bottom left corner where he recuperated a puck and he had full open space to the net and instead of taking it to the net, he quickly dishes it to Dvorak in a preciptated play that failed.

The good thing tho is that if there is one thing that can easily be fixed, its exactly that.

Your read on the situation is accurate, but I'll throw a wrench on this aspect: "easily be fixed".

Now, if there's one thing that has eluded players forever is the reality of the step between performing plays at the NHL pace that they were used to do in their lower junior leagues. It's the crux of every tweener that just can't hack it offensively in the NHL. I'm NOT calling him a tweener: what I'm saying is that it is the hardest thing to add to your repertoire as a pro player. Some amazing junior and lower pros can't make it because of that. The draft is full of them.

Number of players will comment on how fast things are happening and their head is spinning at the amount of forecheck they have to deal with.

It CAN be fixed, you're right. But it's not easy, unless you're freakin special.

 

[Pegasus75]

The thing is: we are in unprecedented territory with his under-production.

It's not just "bad for an NHLer, decent for a youngster", it's plainly bad no matter what age. But to be even more precise it is "very bad for an NHLer, catastrophic for a 1OA" production. Something has to give, and most possible outcomes are not too pretty. For our sake I hope Slafkovsky turns the corner ASAP. To my eyes it seems like he's still incapable of making plays -- the same problem he's had since his draft year and has shown no progression.

People are so desperate to see 'progression' that they consider progression when Slaf is able to complete two pass in a row , i mean this is just depressing.

Too much people here think that he will magically turn into Tage Thompson in 2-3 years. But for every Tage Thompson, there's 50 Michael Mccarron, Chad Kilger, Turner Stevenson...

 

[cave troll]

People are so desperate to see 'progression' that they consider progression when Slaf is able to complete two pass in a row , i mean this is just depressing.

Too much people here think that he will magically turn into Tage Thompson in 2-3 years. But for every Tage Thompson, there's 50 Michael Mccarron, Chad Kilger, Turner Stevenson...

Desperation is so hard that one poster even wrote Thompson > Matthews.

 

[Lshap]

The thing is: we are in unprecedented territory with his under-production.

It's not just "bad for an NHLer, decent for a youngster", it's plainly bad no matter what age. But to be even more precise it is "very bad for an NHLer, catastrophic for a 1OA" production. Something has to give, and most possible outcomes are not too pretty. For our sake I hope Slafkovsky turns the corner ASAP. To my eyes it seems like he's still incapable of making plays -- the same problem he's had since his draft year and has shown no progression.

I'm glad you finally took a stand.

Kidding. We're all finding new ways to say the same thing. Like boarding a plane and sitting there for 30 minutes – at some point the conversation narrows down to whether we'll take off or have the flight cancelled. Everyone agrees Slafkovsky is stalled on the tarmac; we just don't know if he needs a new flight crew or if the problem is with the plane itself.

Metaphors aside, I can't see the situation remaining static for much longer. Unless there's a noticeable improvement in the next two/three weeks, I'll predict he'll be in Laval by December.

 

[LesCanadiens]

is this sarcasm? he had an OK game but he also got absolutely clobbered again ,did you watch?

im the kids biggest fan but this post is pure homerism

Pure homerism? I guess reading comprehension isn't your strength...most ppl seemed to clearly understand I meant in general terms compared to how he was putting himself in concussion danger all year last year. So I watch very well, thank you. If you can't see the considerable difference in this regard, maybe you need to.

 

[DAChampion]

I wanted to ask at what point those who support the status quo would change their mind and support Slafkovsky playing in the AHL.

And then I realized when they would change their minds.

A few seconds after seeing a thread that the Habs have moved Slafkovsky to the AHL.

 

[Jaynki]

Your read on the situation is accurate, but I'll throw a wrench on this aspect: "easily be fixed".

Now, if there's one thing that has eluded players forever is the reality of the step between performing plays at the NHL pace that they were used to do in their lower junior leagues. It's the crux of every tweener that just can't hack it offensively in the NHL. I'm NOT calling him a tweener: what I'm saying is that it is the hardest thing to add to your repertoire as a pro player. Some amazing junior and lower pros can't make it because of that. The draft is full of them.

Number of players will comment on how fast things are happening and their head is spinning at the amount of forecheck they have to deal with.

It CAN be fixed, you're right. But it's not easy, unless you're freakin special.

What i mean by easily fixed is that he is not blocked by any physical capacity here. A player like Caufield, for example, won't be able to fix his board play.

Back on Slaf, what i see, is that he has much better read than last year. Tho, those read, those moment where he had a lot of spaces and where he could have displayed his hands and heavy shot have mostly led to awkward pass in the slot, or precipitated play like yesterday.

Through experience and growth, the play will(should) eventually slow down for Slafkovsky, and when this happen is when he will be able to profit greatly from those opportunity.

As for the AHL/junior stars who can't proceed fast enough the NHL, or are overwhelmed by the forecheck. I would think that part of it might also be lack of athleticism/physical capabilities. Its not just about the mental capacity to read the play but to have the cardio, toughness and endurance to sustain the pace and the forecheck. I would think Slaf has those. That might be the point where someone like Roy or Kidney will not cut it. Someone like Pezzetta who was way less talented in junior but who has better athleticism then evolves better in the pro.

 

[leVENTduNORD]

Cooley would be a disappointment for a 1st Overall???

reality: Cooley has one goal this year, so does Slaf. Cooley is on pace for 19 ES points this season, wich is good for 3rd line production. So far the only way Cooley remains a 50 points C is if stays one of the very good PP producers in the league So YES he would be a disappointment for a 1st overall. The idiots who can't even admit Slaf's been all right when he had a good game and keep repeating no progression over and over would do the same with Cooley. Guaranteed.

I've seen enough of this thread in the few months I've been lurking to know that for sure. We know the drill: He had a good game BUT, it was a fluke play, player X did all the work on the play, this and that are expected for a NHL player, etc. Every frigging excuse has been used already. For the idiots, it will never be good enough. PPG or bust. Would be no different with Cooley

 

[Jaynki]

I wanted to ask at what point those who support the status quo would change their mind and support Slafkovsky playing in the AHL.

And then I realized when they would change their minds.

A few seconds after seeing a thread that the Habs have moved Slafkovsky to the AHL.

That would make me think that the brass don't know what they are doing.

Im thinking they have a clear plan for him and although i am eager to see him produce, i think he is improving. I also think he plays like an NHLer. He is nothing like the belzile/andersson of this world.

If they sent him to the AHL, i would be confused and that would be incongruent with that they are doing right now.

 

[Jaynki]

reality: Cooley has one goal this year, so does Slaf. Cooley is on pace for 19 ES points this season, wich is good for 3rd line production. So far the only way Cooley remains a 50 points C is if stays one of the very good PP producers in the league So YES he would be a disappointment for a 1st overall. The idiots who can't even admit Slaf's been all right when he had a good game and keep repeating no progression over and over would do the same with Cooley. Guaranteed.

I've seen enough of this thread in the few months I've been lurking to know that for sure. We know the drill: He had a good game BUT, it was a fluke play, player X did all the work on the play, this and that are expected for a NHL player, etc. Every frigging excuse has been used already. For the idiots, it will never be good enough. PPG or bust. Would be no different with Cooley

Cooley is the most overrated player right now on HFHabs, with Roy and Beck.

He is good dont get me wrong, but he is indeed not of 1st overall quality either. He is also another smallish offensive winger/center. He is not 1C material.

I am not sure if Slafkovsky ends up his career with more point than Cooley but i think he has for sure higher upside (its another question if he reaches it) and he has a way more unique profile, fwiw.

We would be so homogenic with Cooley.

 

[ReHabs]

Your read on the situation is accurate, but I'll throw a wrench on this aspect: "easily be fixed".

Now, if there's one thing that has eluded players forever is the reality of the step between performing plays at the NHL pace that they were used to do in their lower junior leagues. It's the crux of every tweener that just can't hack it offensively in the NHL. I'm NOT calling him a tweener: what I'm saying is that it is the hardest thing to add to your repertoire as a pro player. Some amazing junior and lower pros can't make it because of that. The draft is full of them.

Number of players will comment on how fast things are happening and their head is spinning at the amount of forecheck they have to deal with.

It CAN be fixed, you're right. But it's not easy, unless you're freakin special.

Yeah... I think adapting to NHL speeds comes with experience but thriving in NHL speeds is not something every player can do... especially if they're rushed and don't have an opportunity to build their game elsewhere.

Everyone agrees Slafkovsky is stalled on the tarmac

I think many people will find ways to say they disagree in fact and that the plane was never meant to fly in the first place.

 

[Mrb1p]

reality: Cooley has one goal this year, so does Slaf. Cooley is on pace for 19 ES points this season, wich is good for 3rd line production. So far the only way Cooley remains a 50 points C is if stays one of the very good PP producers in the league So YES he would be a disappointment for a 1st overall. The idiots who can't even admit Slaf's been all right when he had a good game and keep repeating no progression over and over would do the same with Cooley. Guaranteed.

I've seen enough of this thread in the few months I've been lurking to know that for sure. We know the drill: He had a good game BUT, it was a fluke play, player X did all the work on the play, this and that are expected for a NHL player, etc. Every frigging excuse has been used already. For the idiots, it will never be good enough. PPG or bust. Would be no different with Cooley

Do you also discredit Caufields season like that? Because hes also on pace for 20 ES points.

Lets call a spade a spade, Cooley shouldve been the pick.

 

[sandviper]

I wanted to ask at what point those who support the status quo would change their mind and support Slafkovsky playing in the AHL.

And then I realized when they would change their minds.

A few seconds after seeing a thread that the Habs have moved Slafkovsky to the AHL.

I’ve been a supporter of Slaf since day 1 and have always advocated patience. Compared to when he debuted, I have seen improvements and despite what haters say, I do see some NHL-flashes of skill.

However, I don’t think the current lineup and playing conditions suits him at the NHL right now. Assignments appear to be too difficult and he’s behind the play more often than not. I also don’t think Dvorak and Anderson are ideal linemates and he’d be better suited with Monahan but MSL seems pretty locked in with the 70-91-11 line.

I’ve never had an issue if he were to be sent to the AHL, but perhaps now is the time to give him a stint down there and get in some reps and puck touches. Of course, I say this with the assumption that Houle will give him top-6 minutes and opportunities…

 

[DAChampion]

Lets call a spade a spade, Cooley shouldve been the pick.

It's way too early for that.

Right now the 2022 draft looks quite weak, even one year later. But knowing the tiny bit that I know now, if I can go back in time and give advice to Hughes, I'd suggest he sell the pick to the highest bidder.

 

[Mrb1p]

It's way too early for that.

Right now the 2022 draft looks quite weak, even one year later. But knowing the tiny bit that I know now, if I can go back in time and give advice to Hughes, I'd suggest he sell the pick to the highest bidder.

That was my call too. Sell the pick to Colombus who had 6 and 12. Jiricek and Mateychuk.

I dont think its too early though. As a rookie, Cooley is on pace for 60 points. Whats Slafs ceiling? 60? At best hes going to tie him? I had 5 players ahead of Slaf, one is already validated.

 

[nhlfan9191]

What i mean by easily fixed is that he is not blocked by any physical capacity here. A player like Caufield, for example, won't be able to fix his board play.

Back on Slaf, what i see, is that he has much better read than last year. Tho, those read, those moment where he had a lot of spaces and where he could have displayed his hands and heavy shot have mostly led to awkward pass in the slot, or precipitated play like yesterday.

Through experience and growth, the play will(should) eventually slow down for Slafkovsky, and when this happen is when he will be able to profit greatly from those opportunity.

As for the AHL/junior stars who can't proceed fast enough the NHL, or are overwhelmed by the forecheck. I would think that part of it might also be lack of athleticism/physical capabilities. Its not just about the mental capacity to read the play but to have the cardio, toughness and endurance to sustain the pace and the forecheck. I would think Slaf has those. That might be the point where someone like Roy or Kidney will not cut it. Someone like Pezzetta who was way less talented in junior but who has better athleticism then evolves better in the pro.

You see this said a lot in this thread and I’m not accusing just you of it. “Once the play slows down for him” and “experience” are being tied together a lot but they aren’t necessarily linked completely. The play is never going to slow down, he has to adapt and the longer he doesn’t the more chance he never will. Catching onto the speed is career defining and it’s probably the biggest thing you have to worry about when you’re drafting European players that don’t have a big sample size playing on North American ice.

 

[Yasuo]

Cooley would be a disappointment for a 1st Overall???

Probably yes. He's not on that Carlson/Fantilli/Michkov tier who are first overall talent. He's more like a Will Smith and that would be a below average first overall. Still much better than what Slaf is doing/showing tough.

 

[Jaynki]

I think many people will find ways to say they disagree in fact and that the plane was never meant to fly in the first place.

Lets continue with the plane metaphor. Its an excellent point and i agree we are stuck on the tarmac.

Lets say takeoff was due for 8PM, maybe its 8:05PM right now and there is not many indications that the plane will take off so we are starting to be dubious and the discussion becomes heated and we question the Airline company.

Just as we do that, the plane might slowly be headed toward the lane for takeoff and things may advance in the background.

And to continue the metaphor, a young 19 years old may exactly just take off like a plane.

 

[NORiculous]

Cooley is the most overrated player right now on HFHabs, with Roy and Beck.

I’d argue that Sergachev has that title.

He is good dont get me wrong, but he is indeed not of 1st overall quality either. He is also another smallish offensive winger/center. He is not 1C material.

It sounds like you think he is too small to be a 1C. Is that what you are saying? Do you think Suzuki is a 1C? Because they have 1inch difference. Just curious to clarify your position.

I am not sure if Slafkovsky ends up his career with more point than Cooley but i think he has for sure higher upside (its another question if he reaches it) and he has a way more unique profile, fwiw.

He probably won’t but we don’t know.

Cooley has the higher offensive upside but Slafkovsky has more, like you said, unique attributes which should help teams win more games in the playoffs (but that is just an assumption management has made and we don’t know if his special attributes will in fact weight heavier then Cooley’s offensive production.)

One thing is for sure, when someone tries to reinvent the wheel, they have much more chances of failing then if they followed a proven path, and that is not Slafkovsky’s fault.