Juraj Slafkovsky - Year Two

[Captain Mountain]

There’s certainly a developing scoresheet problem. Successful pass first forwards that are comparatively not great goalscorers like Getzlaf and Huberdeau shoot 2x more than Slaf. That’s from Day 1 and throughout their careers.

A typical good scoring season for Getzlaf was 20 to 25 goals. Is Slaf going to plateau at 10 to 15 goal/ seasons but help in other aspects of the game? There’s really no comparable that I could find of a successful NHL forward that chose passes over shots at such an extreme level. I’m open minded. Maybe Slaf‘s a whole new bread of extreme playmaking forward? Or maybe someone can find another NHL precedent?

Do you mind providing some support for these claims? Because it doesn't really make much sense. Per most stats from the NHL and looking at D+2 stats, Slaf is off Huberdeau's 5v5 s/60 pace by 1 and is ahead of Huberdeau's PP s/60 pace. Getzlaf actually shot around the same amount 5v5, but he had an active role on the PP

The other obvious example just off the top of my head is Thornton, who almost never shot the puck. But I don't think there's a scoresheet problem, but rather that there's a scoresheet symptom.

I think the biggest problem with Slaf is that he's struggled to adjust to the NHL pace (both in terms of the QoC and smaller ice surface). There have been improvements, but that pace issue is why he doesn't shoot as much and will defer to pass more than he probably should (takes to long to decide if he's going to shoot or not, which means the window is lost and he needs to pass), why his shot selection isn't the best, why he sometimes struggles with keeping his feet moving, etc. There have been improvements though and I'm not sure if its a toolbox issue or an experience one.

 

[Kennerback]

Do you mind providing some support for these claims? Because it doesn't really make much sense. Per most stats from the NHL and looking at D+2 stats, Slaf is off Huberdeau's 5v5 s/60 pace by 1 and is ahead of Huberdeau's PP s/60 pace. Getzlaf actually shot around the same amount 5v5, but he had an active role on the PP

The other obvious example just off the top of my head is Thornton, who almost never shot the puck. But I don't think there's a scoresheet problem, but rather that there's a scoresheet symptom.

I think the biggest problem with Slaf is that he's struggled to adjust to the NHL pace (both in terms of the QoC and smaller ice surface). There have been improvements, but that pace issue is why he doesn't shoot as much and will defer to pass more than he probably should (takes to long to decide if he's going to shoot or not, which means the window is lost and he needs to pass), why his shot selection isn't the best, why he sometimes struggles with keeping his feet moving, etc. There have been improvements though and I'm not sure if its a toolbox issue or an experience one.

To me, he’s adjusted well enough to play in the NHL. He’s improved over last year and over the start of the season. He’s aware of his defensive responsibilities. He looks reasonably good now.

He’s big, fast and can nail a real nice pass. I think there’s the risk this masks his real offensive shortcomings. We all get excited. We turn a blind eye and we wake up in 3 years with a guy that never took off offensively.

 

[Lafleurs Guy]

I've re-read my post.. I didn't find a conclusive statement anywhere.

I’m just saying that it’s still so early in his career. We won’t really know what we’ve go to with him for at least a couple of years.

 

[admiralcadillac]

He's got a lot of blocked shots

 

[Jaynki]

5 points in his last 7 games and a pretty good performance again tonight. (So far after two). f***ing dominant in the cycle.

 

[waitin425]

I'm sorry....but anyone who hated on this kid...proclaims him a bust....natters on about how he should be in the AHL. You can start to back track now guys. Please. Just jump on this Slaf train. Doubling down will make you look even more foolish.

 

[VirginiaMtlExpat]

He seems like a coachable kid.

 

[Andy]

Needs more puck touches, but this team isn't strong on the forecheck and is not good in transition.

Despite that, he's been looking great.

 

[alasania94]

Been following the last few games and he's been very involved in every shift. Constantly hounding the puck carrier, looking to make plays, shooting more and playing the body.

One of the few players that looks like his head is in the game.

He will be a force in 2-3 years from now.

 

[Lafleurs Guy]

An uneven game. Made some mistakes and had some great shifts. Ran right over Proverov which was great.

Continues to show flashes of what could be.

 

[417]

He’s going to be a beast in possession when he's 22-23

 

[Miller Time]

He seems like a coachable kid.

Yup.

And with a strong work ethic.

Put those elements together with unique/impressive physical traits, a strong compete level and a personality that can handle (& perhaps thrives off of?) the spotlight... And we've got the ingredients for a pretty incredible player.

I can't wait to see what he looks like when all the work he's been putting in to refine his technical foundations & reads has fully integrated and he's able to just let loose and play... Guy is going to cause havoc all over the ice!

 

[The Great Weal]

Using his body way more. Once he discovers that man strength he should be destroying guys with hits.

 

[NobleSix]

Points have started to come for him. Really good for him and his confidence.

 

[calder candidate]

Using his body way more. Once he discovers that man strength he should be destroying guys with hits.

He doesn’t even need man strength he juste need to keep is feet moving a bit more with more momentum or speed he will have much better hits.

 

[River Meadow]

Slafkovsky delivering the mail once again.

Canada Post Xpresspost, baby.

 

[waitin425]

 

[BaseballCoach]

I'm sorry....but anyone who hated on this kid...proclaims him a bust....natters on about how he should be in the AHL. You can start to back track now guys. Please. Just jump on this Slaf train. Doubling down will make you look even more foolish.

But he makes errors!

 

[Lafleurs Guy]

Needs more puck touches, but this team isn't strong on the forecheck and is not good in transition.

Despite that, he's been looking great.

More than anything he needs to shoot more.

 

[Goldenhands]

NHL isnt an easy league for kids to perform, this post proves it entirely. Fantilli was a ghost tonight.

Now lets see if MSL ends up sending Slaf on the top PP unit at some point... Probably after the trade deadline the way it goes.

 

[Kennerback]

Type of goal we want Slaf to score. Voronkov (6’4) vs the Bruins on Monday:

starts at 0:00 (first goal)

 

[HabbyGuy]

As pretty as this post is and nice to see him on top of that list. I really don't care about his point totals at all at this point, just keep growing young man, that's what I'm most pleased to see.

He's slowly starting to get this whole north american pro game. Such a coachable kid with a great desire to be better than he was yesterday, the points will just organically follow as he continues to blossom.

If or when he gets there, he can and will positively impact many aspects of a game beyond points.

Post above about his point production while nice and good to see shouldn't be the main focus. It's just superficial glitter at this time in the greater scheme of things imo.

Kid's 19, lots of time and room to grow.

 

[Lafleurs Guy]

As pretty as this post is and nice to see him on top of that list. I really don't care about his point totals at all at this point, just keep growing young man, that's what I'm most pleased to see.

He's slowly starting to get this whole north american pro game. Such a coachable kid with a great desire to be better than he was yesterday, the points will just organically follow as he continues to blossom.

If or when he gets there, he can and will positively impact many aspects of a game beyond points.

Post above about his point production while nice and good to see shouldn't be the main focus. It's just superficial glitter at this time in the greater scheme of things imo.

Kid's 19, lots of time and room to grow.

You are correct but the points are nice. If nothing else it gets a monkey off his back. Points are the first thing we look at when evaluating a player. And honestly, he should have a lot more than he does. It’s nice to see him finally getting rewarded.

I agree with you though, the points should be secondary right now. As long as he’s putting in good shifts then I’m happy.

But - the boy needs to learn to shoot a lot more.

 

[HabbyGuy]

You are correct but the points are nice. If nothing else it gets a monkey off his back. Points are the first thing we look at when evaluating a player. And honestly, he should have a lot more than he does. It’s nice to see him finally getting rewarded.

I agree with you though, the points should be secondary right now. As long as he’s putting in good shifts then I’m happy.

But - the boy needs to learn to shoot a lot more.

Boy needs to learn alot of things, he's young and it going to take some time, but it's very encouraging indeed.

What I like most about him is his desire to get better. So whatever happens it won't be from lack of effort.

 

[admiralcadillac]

This thread needs more Slaf bashing.