This is prime development time and I do not think Slafkovsky the Project can develop in the NHL. The game is too intense for him.
And if he manages to survive the game, he certainly has much to do to thrive and become a dominant playmaker.
At this time it seems clear to me he is not on that track but he has all the tools and the personality to be such a player.
The many many many comparisons and names brought up alongside Slafkovsky have not helped the discussion. Namely most of those prospects you named had superior pedigrees. I’m not permitted to mention his D year league performance so I’d like it if others refrained from comparing Jack Hughes to Slafkovsky.
Rantanen, Jagr, Drai, Backes, Wheeler, etc. are also irritating comparisons because nobody can define Slafkovsky’s game! Even his pumpers can’t say what he plays like. He’s that raw.
Scrutiny will be intense and ever more as Nemec, Cooley, etc. step into the NHL. If he can’t handle it, that’s too bad — the Habs should’ve never drafted him and rushed him.
If you’re referring to the fans and our inter-fan squabbling, I don’t think it matters at all.
Let’s hope he earns a spot in the NHL this year with his play, unlike last year where he clearly didn’t.