Juraj Slafkovsky - Year Two

[Andy]

You mean other than his PPG which remains lower than last year.

Given the rest of his game is far far better and getting better every game, then I'm not concerned at all about that part because it will come as he gets better.

 

[Lshap]

I really think this kid is build to blossom here in this kind of market. Caufield/Suzuki are great exemple for him.

All he did since he’s been here is getting better and keep his focus despite the noise around him.

Tuning out the noise is easier when you don't understand French or much English.

 

[Tyson]

You're right that he's statistically at a lower PPG pace than he was last year. He had 10 pts in 39 games last year. He's currently on pace for 7 pts in 39 games. And at some point, he'll need to put up points on the board.

However, at this moment, regardless of his lower PPG pace, the way he's playing is encouraging. He's more engaged and isn't solely a passenger on his line, but is more involved in the play. And for me, at this time, I'll accept the lower PPG pace if it means him looking more comfortable out there.

But I will repeat, at some point, he will need to contribute on the production.

The way Slaf is playing transcends goals and assists. The way he is playing he should already have 10 points. His linemates have not finished alot of plays Slaf has been linked to.

 

[ReHabs]

But I will repeat, at some point, he will need to contribute on the production.

Good players put up points. Great players don't need multiple NHL season to reveal themselves. In fact, it is exceedingly rare for a player to have a 4th liner production in his first two years and still end up being an impact player in his career. Slaf is trending behind the oft-repeated examples of Joe Thornton and Vinny Lecavalier and many many others.

If he gets 35points this season it'll be a big relief. I don't think it's impossible for a player who has the size and reach of Slafkovsky to put up points -- it could very well happen that he goes 0.5ppg from now until the end of season -- but his game still has major deficiencies even if many of you think he's improved in all facets, in all aspects.

As I see it there's two layers to his issues now: (1) there is the adapting to the speed and intensity of the NHL layer (we've all seen noticeable improvement) and (2) there's the ability to consistently make scoring plays in the NHL layer (imo we've not seen noticeable improvement).

That's the irritating part of this. The Habs could've just started his NHL career next year (D+3). No harm would've been done and he would've had time+space+room to improve the all-important playmaking issue which is hugely problematic in his player profile. Ah well.

 

[Skip Bayless]

The way Slaf is playing transcends goals and assists. The way he is playing he should already have 10 points. His linemates have not finished alot of plays Slaf has been linked to.

Imagine if his linemates could simply finish every pass he made.

Crazy to think about.

 

[bcv]

Imagine if his linemates could simply finish every pass he made.

Crazy to think about.

Transcending, really.

 

[Don D]

You're right that he's statistically at a lower PPG pace than he was last year. He had 10 pts in 39 games last year. He's currently on pace for 7 pts in 39 games. And at some point, he'll need to put up points on the board.

However, at this moment, regardless of his lower PPG pace, the way he's playing is encouraging. He's more engaged and isn't solely a passenger on his line, but is more involved in the play. And for me, at this time, I'll accept the lower PPG pace if it means him looking more comfortable out there.

But I will repeat, at some point, he will need to contribute on the production.

Well said and fair (not critical) overview. Slaf seems to be progressing (positive) but "at some point, he will need to contribute to production" (truism). I appreciate the balanced comments!!

 

[Miller Time]

That really is great to hear. Easy to cynically dismiss it as a media soundbite, but I'd like to think Slafkovsky is being 100% sincere.

Agreed... And it echoes the kinds of things we've heard from several players, young and old.

They are creating an atmosphere players want to be in, and a strong commitment to each other. Not easy to do with all the losing they've been enduring, especially not in a media/fan intense market (& one with harsh winters & no Anaheim/PHX golf courses to hit to blow off steam lol).

 

[417]

You've been arguing against the AHL as an effective development league for the NHL.

Not quite…I’ve been arguing against it being absolutely necessary for every player, I’ve also argued that it isn’t always in itself, a “better” experience than actually playing in the NHL.

I’ve said, several times that the AHL IS quite obviously, a developmental league and for a lot of players, exactly where they should be.

That is however, not a rule…not all players have to be an AHL conscript to have success.

However, lesser leagues are a necessity for every single kid from the first time they put on skates. The NHL is filled with players who went through Bantam, Midget, AA, junior, college, AHL, etc. Even McDavid needed training wheels at some point. The AHL isn't the league for misfit toys, it's a legitimate option where many top NHL players honed their skill. Whether it was 20 AHL games or 100 – they spent time there because they weren't ready for the NHL.

All of of this is true and I never denied that. It is a legitimate option, just not the ONLY option.

Or they were sent down to the AHL for a stint because, presumably, they needed fine tuning somewhere other than the NHL. You mentioned you were in favour of Slaf spending some there last season (I think that's what you said), so obviously you recognize it has value.

Or they were sent down to the AHL because there’s simply not a roster spot for them to play in, because of NHL contracts obviously.

There are a ton of other reasons why guys go down to the AHL, a lot of them have actually absolutely nothing to do with development.

I was and am in favor of ANY player spending time in the AHL, I’ve argued for it with Slaf last year and this year at times. Not because I think that for him, he could develop faster or more effectively in the AHL, but because his confidence was sorely lacking and obvious in his play.

In such circumstances, send him down if you can…it doesn’t mean going down will fix everything but confidence can be restored (or sometimes destroyed).

At this very moment, he looks *very* confident, which could indicate that he needs to continue doing what he’s been doing and any disruption in this process would be detrimental rather than beneficial.

Wouldn’t you agree?

To me, the debate is rather overstated...AHL or NHL, as long as he's developing. Which doesn't mean he's developing at the rate that WE want to see. It is clear to see, at least to me, that development IS taking place right before our eyes, so it's a bit confusing for me why the debate rages on?

Because people think he'd be developing faster/more effectively in the AHL? OK, but there's really no way to support that, it's just a theory. Being great in the AHL and putting up points there, is not necessarily an indicator that that can be applied at the NHL level.

What CAN be verified however, is the progress we've seen from last year, to right now...which again, may not be at the pace we all want to see, but it's happening.

 

[JeffreyLFC]

I see a similar trend with KK and Slafkovsky. Both had talent and immense potential but were struggling with the NHL pace and were very inconsistent and even showed regression in their play in their 2nd season.

 

[Wats]

An overage year is what prepped Xhekaj to jump straight into the NHL?

Why don’t more teams send their picks back to the CHL for their overage season ?

Should the Habs send Beck back to the OHL after this season?

Teams do give their players that extra year all the time. Pinard is another one on the Habs that did same thing. It's not a rule like you are suggesting but when you are looking at historically bad production from your 1st overall pick in his first 2 seasons, might be time to try something else before we have another Kotkaniemi situation. Ironically, it also has the exact same arguments.

I believe the overage year for Xhekaj allowed him to raise his game to a level that made him ready for pro hockey. Had he been in NHL, don't think he'd have had same opportunity. He handled the puck more and was relied on offensively like never before instead of just being a tough D. Don't think he would have magically gotten to that point in the NHL without those successful reps in the OHL. He was almost point/game in the playoffs+Memorial Cup.

If Beck doesn't produce offense in OHL, then sure. It's highly unlikely he'll be able to produce in AHL/NHL if he can't get at least a pt/game in his 19/20 age season. Just rarely ever happens... Just like players just magically producing offensively without ever doing so in any pro league.

 

[morhilane]

The way Slaf is playing transcends goals and assists. The way he is playing he should already have 10 points. His linemates have not finished alot of plays Slaf has been linked to.

There is under career average shooting percentage regression across the board outside of the old men line and Suzuki and Slaf's production isn't the only one suffering because of it.

 

[cphabs]

3rd star against the Flames! Happy for the kid!

 

[bcv]

I see a similar trend with KK and Slafkovsky. Both had talent and immense potential but were struggling with the NHL pace and were very inconsistent and even showed regression in their play in their 2nd season.

Slaf certainly hasn't regressed in his 2nd season.

 

[417]

Teams do give their players that extra year all the time. Pinard is another one on the Habs that did same thing. It's not a rule like you are suggesting but when you are looking at historically bad production from your 1st overall pick in his first 2 seasons, might be time to try something else before we have another Kotkaniemi situation. Ironically, it also has the exact same arguments.

Yes the Habs seem to have unearthed a type of player (RHP, Xhekaj, maybe Davidson), I think those guys late bloomers.

But Xhekaj is even more unique, he has played 0 AHL games and jumped in a top 6 position as a Dman.

RHP has over 150 AHL games so it's not quite the same situation.

I believe the overage year for Xhekaj allowed him to raise his game to a level that made him ready for pro hockey. Had he been in NHL, don't think he'd have had same opportunity. He handled the puck more and was relied on offensively like never before instead of just being a tough D. Don't think he would have magically gotten to that point in the NHL without those successful reps in the OHL. He was almost point/game in the playoffs+Memorial Cup.

I wasn’t arguing that the overage year wasn’t beneficial for him, again I'll repeat, I think anywhere you’re playing, you're developing (within reason of course).

But you’re essentially equating an overage season to an AHL season.

I’m not sure I agree, overage players are playing against some kids as young as 16yrs old, that's a HUGE advantage and he's just a physical specimen.

I'm not saying he could have played in the NHL his overage season as much as I'm saying he didn't need an AHL campaign to jump straight into the NHL.

If Beck doesn't produce offense in OHL, then sure. It's highly unlikely he'll be able to produce in AHL/NHL if he can't get at least a pt/game in his 19/20 age season. Just rarely ever happens... Just like players just magically producing offensively without ever doing so in any pro league.

But the question I was asking you was in relation to Xhekaj, in connection with Beck.

If Xhekaj overage season was as crucial to his jump straight to the NHL…shouldn’t the same be true for Beck or Guindon?

I'm asking you because you argued it for Xhekaj…

 

[Jeune Poulet]

Not quite…I’ve been arguing against it being absolutely necessary for every player, I’ve also argued that it isn’t always in itself, a “better” experience than actually playing in the NHL.

Well then, you've been arguing against fictional individuals because that's not what we're saying.

It's pretty simple. The eye test and stats have shown that Slafkovsky wasn't ready for the NHL yet and some of us are saying he would likely have benefited from AHL stints in the last 14 months.

We're not talking about a one-size-fits-all solution for all players. Just what's best for Slafkovsky's development.

 

[417]

Well then, you've been arguing against fictional individuals because that's not what we're saying.

I literally responded to a post that was arguing just that.

It's pretty simple. The eye test and stats have shown that Slafkovsky wasn't ready for the NHL yet and some of us are saying he would likely have benefited from AHL stints in the last 14 months.

We're not talking about a one-size-fits-all solution for all players. Just what's best for Slafkovsky's development.

Yes I know some of you have argued he "likely" would have benefitted from AHL stints in the last 14 months.

Maybe, maybe not.

But what I do know is that from game 1 of his career to game 55 that he played last night, there has been progress.

I understand, not at the pace we all want to see and not with the stats we use solidify our opinions. But it's coming along, at some point the production will have to follow but if he keeps doing what he's been doing lately, that will come and then we can revisit.

 

[Tyson]

 

[Kennerback]

Front page on NHL.com right now. Our other development success story.

 

[River Meadow]

Front page on NHL.com right now. Our other development success story.

Don Waddell got us good.

Also, turns out Bergevin and Timmins are geniuses after all.

 

[Ajhccwrs]

I don't need a stat sheet and numbers to tell me if a player is progressing or regressing.

You're most interested in being right about him being a bust, and more specifically HuGo being wrong.. than him actually progressing. I'll be more polite, when you stop writing every post that just seems support your own narrative.

Be Patient.


I'll let it go, just stop sounding like a cuck.

I'm Glad some body else sees this as well.

 

[Lshap]

Not quite…I’ve been arguing against it being absolutely necessary for every player, I’ve also argued that it isn’t always in itself, a “better” experience than actually playing in the NHL.

I’ve said, several times that the AHL IS quite obviously, a developmental league and for a lot of players, exactly where they should be.

That is however, not a rule…not all players have to be an AHL conscript to have success.

All of of this is true and I never denied that. It is a legitimate option, just not the ONLY option.


Or they were sent down to the AHL because there’s simply not a roster spot for them to play in, because of NHL contracts obviously.

There are a ton of other reasons why guys go down to the AHL, a lot of them have actually absolutely nothing to do with development.

I was and am in favor of ANY player spending time in the AHL, I’ve argued for it with Slaf last year and this year at times. Not because I think that for him, he could develop faster or more effectively in the AHL, but because his confidence was sorely lacking and obvious in his play.

In such circumstances, send him down if you can…it doesn’t mean going down will fix everything but confidence can be restored (or sometimes destroyed).

At this very moment, he looks *very* confident, which could indicate that he needs to continue doing what he’s been doing and any disruption in this process would be detrimental rather than beneficial.

Wouldn’t you agree?

To me, the debate is rather overstated...AHL or NHL, as long as he's developing. Which doesn't mean he's developing at the rate that WE want to see. It is clear to see, at least to me, that development IS taking place right before our eyes, so it's a bit confusing for me why the debate rages on?

Because people think he'd be developing faster/more effectively in the AHL? OK, but there's really no way to support that, it's just a theory. Being great in the AHL and putting up points there, is not necessarily an indicator that that can be applied at the NHL level.

What CAN be verified however, is the progress we've seen from last year, to right now...which again, may not be at the pace we all want to see, but it's happening.

At this point, our opinions are close enough that it's not worth arguing over.

But that's never stopped me before. Let me work up a head of steam over something and get back to you.

 

[Andrei79]

.

Not quite…I’ve been arguing against it being absolutely necessary for every player, I’ve also argued that it isn’t always in itself, a “better” experience than actually playing in the NHL.

I’ve said, several times that the AHL IS quite obviously, a developmental league and for a lot of players, exactly where they should be.

What an incredibly annoying thing to say after what was posted by yourself just a few days ago.

 

[417]

.

What an incredibly annoying thing to say after what was posted by yourself just a few days ago.

Which was?

Get it off your chest, let's work through this together.

Was it when I said the AHL is largely made up of replacement-level players?

That's what was incredibly annoying? Lol

 

[Andrei79]

Which was?

Get it off your chest, let's work through this together.

Was it when I said the AHL is largely made up of replacement-level players?

That's what was incredibly annoying? Lol

Right. This is either deliberate and disingenuous or completely lacking in insight and self awareness. Both are unappealing scenarios, so no thanks. Carry on.