Juraj Slafkovsky - Year Two

[calder candidate]

Again, we can't always think that what is good for Player A is also good for player B.

Roy is where he's supposed to be right now because mostly, there's no room for him in Montreal right now.

They want him to play and play a lot and Laval affords him that opportunity.

Not sure if you are trolling me...
First your are the one that brought up Roy and other player and their WJC experience as arguements to compare... After making the point that every player is different yet somehow other player expiences are a argument. I never made any compaisson... I'm saying that experience was positive for Roy regarless how is carreer turn out we will never be able to say, damn if he hadn't played a key role in 2 gold medal maybe he could have played in the NHL... just like that expirence doesn't garantee result in the NHL.

It was pretty clear that we weren't talking about Roy playing in the AHL/ NHL, it was about Roy WJC expierence because that is the highest level of competion that was open to him at the time, again WJC doesn't translate to NHL futur, we can't mesure the impact it had on him, but you still want him to go to WJC rather than stay in the Q (because in his case the WJC as signifiant competition). The point is you wanted slaf to stay in the NHL yet you say that it was kind of useless for Roy to go to WJC, if facing the best competition is important to Slaf than it is also import to Roy even if we can't mesure the impact WJC, it was positive, and surely better than staying in the Q.
The difference is that it is clear that WJC was the most significant competition for Roy, can't really say the same about the NHL for Slaf.

Like I said earlier, doing something because it can't hurt, isn't a valid reason to just do something. The best thing to do is to do things that can help a player. Going to the WJC right now, or last year if you prefer, was not going to help him more than being in the NHL. It's a 2 week tournament.

Again never said that "it can't hurt" is the reason to do something... When evaluating all options the outcome is a grey area and there is also a risk factor. If the outcome is likely the same than you take the less risk, if the risk are similar you likely go with the best possible outcome...
In this case the reason is you that want wanted him to play against the most significant competition. That is the reason you send down to the AHL or WJC than you start evaluting the risk or by product of each options.

1)I buy a lotto ticket and give you half the winning
2)You buy a lotto ticket and give me half the winning
3)don't buy ticket

The goal is to win the lotto, if it isn't no one buy a ticket, but you'll get me to buy it because you still get the same outcome with less risk. You are getting me to buy the ticket to win the money, not because there no risk
It probably a dumb analogy, but you seem to keep grabing on to all the fringe stuff glossing over the main point...

Why are you even mention or bring up WJC this year, it like the 2nd time and I have never brought it up... We are talking about last year... Just like you argue that a 2 week tournament can't help, those 2 weeks in the NHL aren't helping help him at all because he wasn't doing anything but filling a jersey, wasn't getting opportunity and the team wasn't going anywhere. I think we when 0-5 getting outscore by 20 goal during the WJC, playing a reduce role on a winning team is the same as it is for a losing team. You can argue that WJC are worthless all you want, I garantee that the compet level was higher than in some of these NHL game over the holiday and most of those games were just as worthless, and he still didn't get any opportunity.

No, I think it's very important that he has a role...earlier in the season and especially last year when it seemed like he wasn't playing much of a role, I was advocating for him to be sent down. Because there's nothing I hate more than seeing a prospect languishing playing 10 mins a game with no special teams.

But this isn't currently the case and it appears like they were slowly building him up.

As far as the rest of what you mentioned about playing with his countrymen/friend, winning a goald medal, etc.

None of this has to do with what's best for the Montreal Canadiens...he's a professional hockey player now, playing with his friend is not his job and what he's getting paid for. He also plays for the Montreal Canadiens and given he's already played in a WJC, he can represent his country at other international competitions.

Going to the WJC because it would give Habs fans good feels over the holidays ain't it for me.

So you were avocating for him to go to the AHL since it would have been better for him, since he wasn't getting the oppornunity in the NHL, yet going to WJC for 2 week for somehow crazy... I would said that the AHL might be more significant competition vs. NHL but it is even more physical than the NHL and is full of player that know they will never make it or that would kill the guy next to him to make it, so it isn't always the best environment and he would still face all the local pressure of having to perform, expectation would be higher in the AHL, the team wasn't great + there isn't a set time frame so there will be speculations, and compare with Wright result, so it might be better for him to be in the NHL even if the competition level isn't optimal. Now even if I don't think AHL is the best solution, I also think that it a option that needed to be consider because the NHL might not have been the right spot, just like I think that sending him to WJC should have be consider more seriously, and you could still sent him to the AHL if you wanted.
Again what is currently happenning isn't relevant since no one is thinking or even considering WJC. Development and progression is a very complicated and non linear, thing like motivation, mind set, objectives, mental state (safety), Confidence, practice, taking break, experiences, success/failure, different learning medium, everything could have a possitive or negative impact. They are building up slowly and those 5 NHL last year didn't play any factor if anything it was a miserable 2 weeks for the entier team.
Again I'm not considering sending him to the WJC to be with is friends, it was because it seem like the most significant competition he could have faced for those 2 weeks. All that other stuff is by product and part of your risk assement. Again they aren't doing thing for the fans...
Good
-WJC were a determined time period, cut down on speculation
-It is a very competitive tournament and there will be pressure situation
-He should be able overcome if not dominate most situations
-Very important role/leader and minutes (mostly play above his age group)
-Team should be contenting for a medal
-Get away from the some of the scrutiny of Montreal or change the narrative
-18yo struggling away from home/maybe speaking is language and familiar face is good for him
-Last shot at a medal since if he isn't going D+1 he won't go D+2
-Might help Mesar
-Alter the fan perpective or feel good, it not a reason to do anything but I rather have people talk about is OT goal or good WJC than why he isn't playing or if he was the right pick...

Bad
- He could get injured (odd are the same or less than NHL or AHL)
- He could have a terrible showing make thing worst (same apply to AHL)
-If he isn't good than it easier for fan/media to compare with other D+1
-Maybe it overshadow Mesar and doesn't help him

Those are all by product and it should be mainly positive for Slaf the goal is to have Slaf play significant competition, minutes, puck touch Staying happy, focus, motivated is good for him progressing and is ultimately probably what is best for MTL.
You are the one that are saying that every player is different and since Poitras was playing a lesser role and never when to WJC Boston might take it into considerations, he's a professionnal hockey player and getting paid, why would they consider that? Since Mtl is only focus on MTL isn't, Boston is only focus on Boston. They are sending him because they determine it was the best thing for him/them, if it isn't than it is probably a bad decision or even a mistake...

I really couldn't careless about what Boston is doing with Poitras, I don't cheer for the Bruins like I don't cheer for Team Slovakia. I'm only concerned with what's good for the Montreal Canadiens.

If you are concerned with what is good for Mtl, isn't that every single player being the best they can be (on the ice / increase their trade value)...

You can argue that the NHL was the right spot or that AHL would have been better but I'm not sure why you refuse to consider that WJC was a valid option and even if you didn't think it was at the time, with hindsight and him going 0pts and 15 games with a season ending injury, it hard to imagine a worst outcome. What done is done we can't really consider it a mistake but we have the result and we see what other team are doing why can't we question it? Especially since player dev has been a issue in the past.

 

[417]

Not sure if you are trolling me...

Not at all.

First your are the one that brought up Roy and other player and their WJC experience as arguements to compare... After making the point that every player is different yet somehow other player expiences are a argument. I never made any compaisson... I'm saying that experience was positive for Roy regarless how is carreer turn out we will never be able to say, damn if he hadn't played a key role in 2 gold medal maybe he could have played in the NHL... just like that expirence doesn't garantee result in the NHL.

Yeah, it was a great experience, just like all of the experiences he's had so far in his young career. None of them mean anything alone in isolation, it's the accumulation of them all, good and bad, that make up the player he is today.

What I have an issue with is when people try to isolate this tournament and act like it has career altering impact.

It doesn't.

It was pretty clear that we weren't talking about Roy playing in the AHL/ NHL, it was about Roy WJC expierence because that is the highest level of competion that was open to him at the time, again WJC doesn't translate to NHL futur, we can't mesure the impact it had on him, but you still want him to go to WJC rather than stay in the Q (because in his case the WJC as signifiant competition). The point is you wanted slaf to stay in the NHL yet you say that it was kind of useless for Roy to go to WJC, if facing the best competition is important to Slaf than it is also import to Roy even if we can't mesure the impact WJC, it was positive, and surely better than staying in the Q.
The difference is that it is clear that WJC was the most significant competition for Roy, can't really say the same about the NHL for Slaf.

Not what I said at all, Joshua Roy went to 2 WJCs and won 2 golds...how can that be useless?

Again never said that "it can't hurt" is the reason to do something... When evaluating all options the outcome is a grey area and there is also a risk factor. If the outcome is likely the same than you take the less risk, if the risk are similar you likely go with the best possible outcome...
In this case the reason is you that want wanted him to play against the most significant competition. That is the reason you send down to the AHL or WJC than you start evaluting the risk or by product of each options.

1)I buy a lotto ticket and give you half the winning
2)You buy a lotto ticket and give me half the winning
3)don't buy ticket

The goal is to win the lotto, if it isn't no one buy a ticket, but you'll get me to buy it because you still get the same outcome with less risk. You are getting me to buy the ticket to win the money, not because there no risk
It probably a dumb analogy, but you seem to keep grabing on to all the fringe stuff glossing over the main point...

Yeah I don't know about this analogy, but fair enough.

Why are you even mention or bring up WJC this year, it like the 2nd time and I have never brought it up... We are talking about last year... Just like you argue that a 2 week tournament can't help, those 2 weeks in the NHL aren't helping help him at all because he wasn't doing anything but filling a jersey, wasn't getting opportunity and the team wasn't going anywhere. I think we when 0-5 getting outscore by 20 goal during the WJC, playing a reduce role on a winning team is the same as it is for a losing team. You can argue that WJC are worthless all you want, I garantee that the compet level was higher than in some of these NHL game over the holiday and most of those games were just as worthless, and he still didn't get any opportunity.

He was acclimating to the NHL, so i'm not sure we can honestly argue that it didn't do anything for him.

If you have a player you're trying to acclimate to a league, why would you halt that so he can go play at a tournament he's already played in?

It's just bizarre to me, whether that was last year or this year...I think the same.

So you were avocating for him to go to the AHL since it would have been better for him, since he wasn't getting the oppornunity in the NHL, yet going to WJC for 2 week for somehow crazy... I would said that the AHL might be more significant competition vs. NHL but it is even more physical than the NHL and is full of player that know they will never make it or that would kill the guy next to him to make it, so it isn't always the best environment and he would still face all the local pressure of having to perform, expectation would be higher in the AHL, the team wasn't great + there isn't a set time frame so there will be speculations, and compare with Wright result, so it might be better for him to be in the NHL even if the competition level isn't optimal. Now even if I don't think AHL is the best solution, I also think that it a option that needed to be consider because the NHL might not have been the right spot, just like I think that sending him to WJC should have be consider more seriously, and you could still sent him to the AHL if you wanted.
Again what is currently happenning isn't relevant since no one is thinking or even considering WJC. Development and progression is a very complicated and non linear, thing like motivation, mind set, objectives, mental state (safety), Confidence, practice, taking break, experiences, success/failure, different learning medium, everything could have a possitive or negative impact. They are building up slowly and those 5 NHL last year didn't play any factor if anything it was a miserable 2 weeks for the entier team.
Again I'm not considering sending him to the WJC to be with is friends, it was because it seem like the most significant competition he could have faced for those 2 weeks. All that other stuff is by product and part of your risk assement. Again they aren't doing thing for the fans...
Good
-WJC were a determined time period, cut down on speculation
-It is a very competitive tournament and there will be pressure situation
-He should be able overcome if not dominate most situations
-Very important role/leader and minutes (mostly play above his age group)
-Team should be contenting for a medal
-Get away from the some of the scrutiny of Montreal or change the narrative
-18yo struggling away from home/maybe speaking is language and familiar face is good for him
-Last shot at a medal since if he isn't going D+1 he won't go D+2
-Might help Mesar
-Alter the fan perpective or feel good, it not a reason to do anything but I rather have people talk about is OT goal or good WJC than why he isn't playing or if he was the right pick...

Bad
- He could get injured (odd are the same or less than NHL or AHL)
- He could have a terrible showing make thing worst (same apply to AHL)
-If he isn't good than it easier for fan/media to compare with other D+1
-Maybe it overshadow Mesar and doesn't help him

Those are all by product and it should be mainly positive for Slaf the goal is to have Slaf play significant competition, minutes, puck touch Staying happy, focus, motivated is good for him progressing and is ultimately probably what is best for MTL.
You are the one that are saying that every player is different and since Poitras was playing a lesser role and never when to WJC Boston might take it into considerations, he's a professionnal hockey player and getting paid, why would they consider that? Since Mtl is only focus on MTL isn't, Boston is only focus on Boston. They are sending him because they determine it was the best thing for him/them, if it isn't than it is probably a bad decision or even a mistake...


If you are concerned with what is good for Mtl, isn't that every single player being the best they can be (on the ice / increase their trade value)...

You can argue that the NHL was the right spot or that AHL would have been better but I'm not sure why you refuse to consider that WJC was a valid option and even if you didn't think it was at the time, with hindsight and him going 0pts and 15 games with a season ending injury, it hard to imagine a worst outcome. What done is done we can't really consider it a mistake but we have the result and we see what other team are doing why can't we question it? Especially since player dev has been a issue in the past.

There's a whole lot in this thread and I appreciated reading it but I will just address the bolded.

Yes I was advocating for him to go to the AHL because that's a professional league and that's where he needed to make the adjustment too. Playing in North America against grown men.

Not going to Team Slovakia for 2-3 weeks.

Again, I just look at the WJC in isolation...I don't read too much into and I don't dismiss it either, it's a segment of a prospect's entire year if he's good enough to make it there. But on its own, doesn't mean more than all of the junior games he'll play that year. You judge a player on the totality of what he's done...

We overplay what that 2-3 week tournament does for a player....

 

[Jeune Poulet]

It’s absolutely hilarious that you point out that it’s currently 2023 and then go onto to chide another poster for thinking Slaf could be an 80 point player…

Well, if you find it hilarious, make sure to dig up that post in december of every year. See if you still find it funny then...

 

[Lafleurs Guy]

Well, if you find it hilarious, make sure to dig up that post in december of every year. See if you still find it funny then...

So what does he top out at then? Is he a 40 point player? 30? Please tell me what’s his max when he’s a 25 year old player. You’re the one with the crystal ball…

 

[Paddy17]

Honestly, his offensive game for the reason I mentioned above, yeah. The pace of play/physicality/rink size etc he's improved tremendously, but if only to prove to him that "hey, you can shoot too. And probably score."

He has been trying to shoot more recently. But he's thinking pass-first, which results in the shooting lane closing when he finally decides to shoot. It'll come though... I'm not worried. I've personally been through that, so I know that it doesn't take a lot. Just a slight shift in mentality, and suddenly the shots will get through and the goals will start coming. Then confidence comes, and everything becomes easier and more natural.

 

[HabbyGuy]

https://x.com/MoneyPuckdotcom/status/1737842483919466930?s=20

Their underlying metrics with Slaf on that line are actually better then with Monahan or even Dach last year.

 

[HabbyGuy]

Cooley's a peripheral player as we speak, and I'm sure Slaf helps an NHL team win a game much more than Cooley does at this point in their career.

Comparing Cooley to Slaf or vice versa is silly, they're apples and oranges. Two completely different animals. One may or may not put up more points (Cooley) while another may produce at a slightly lower rate, but effect the game in other ways that Cooley couldn't imagine to do.

It truly is a matter of preferance of what kind of player you'd rather have and not all about one's PPG pace.

I'm with you, Slaf to me is the much more enticing prospect for all the things he can offer, that Cooley just won't be able to match.

 

[Gally11]

Comparing Cooley to Slaf or vice versa is silly, they're apples and oranges. Two completely different animals. One may or may not put up more points (Cooley) while another may produce at a slightly lower rate, but effect the game in other ways that Cooley couldn't imagine to do.

It truly is a matter of preferance of what kind of player you'd rather have and not all about one's PPG pace.

I'm with you, Slaf to me is the much more enticing prospect for all the things he can offer, that Cooley just won't be able to match.

Teams are going to hate playing against him

 

[Heffyhoof]

Glad to see Anderson out there on 3-3 and not our 1OA pick. After all, Anderson got some points recently so he's the hot hand....

 

[Seb]

Two points game for the big guy, it's coming along nicely.

 

[Tyson]

The kid competes and is in the middle of everything.

 

[BaseballCoach]

The kid competes and is in the middle of everything.

Who cares about competing? You can draft competitors with a 5th round pick (Gallagher, RHP). From a first overall I want a guy who can get some points, on the road especially. At least three per game.

 

[dackelljuneaubulis02]

caught the 3rd. Hadn't watched in awhile. Despite a couple sloppy plays in the NZ he looked great. You can see he's still raw which is great that he can still be effective as he is. Dog on a bone on the forecheck. High energy. He's got that aura about him. That line's going to be really good and he seems to be stirring the drink for the most part. Best is yet to come. once he gets even stronger (yeesh) and more confident with the puck he'll be ridiculous.

 

[Tyson]

Who cares about competing? You can draft competitors with a 5th round pick (Gallagher, RHP). From a first overall I want a guy who can get some points, on the road especially. At least three per game.

My God did you ever miss my point

 

[Goldenhands]

Lolol, want to make a bet?

What Is your Slaf rookie card? Is it a special one?

 

[TheBuriedHab]

Finally getting rewarded with a multi point night. Just needs to be ready to shoot and the points will starting piling up.

 

[Jaynki]

And it's not a problem of skill which he has plenty. It's not about adjustment. It's all about his head.

The tone has changed quickly. Three weeks ago you said he was the biggest bust in decades.

 

[Miller Time]

The points are great, but what's most impressive is how he impacts the play all over the ice... He's becoming an absolute menace for opponents.

And he's only going to get stronger, more assertive & more efficient.

He's pushing that ceiling up week after week. Fun to watch.

 

[dackelljuneaubulis02]

Who cares about competing? You can draft competitors with a 5th round pick (Gallagher, RHP). From a first overall I want a guy who can get some points, on the road especially. At least three per game.

Amazing sarcasm aside, he just has way too much going for him. He can impact the game in so many ways. People have PTSD about Galch and KK but neither had the crazy overall package or the swagger that Slaf does. To be that big and play with that much energy is wild.

He's effing 19 and still very raw and he's arguably the biggest part of a 1st line that looks great possession wise. Yet somehow it's like pulling teeth to get a big portion of the fanbase excited about him.

 

[Jaynki]

Remember that Jordan Schmaltz tweet?

Read it again and tell me that Jordan Schmaltz described his own career perfectly.

 

[SlafySZN]

Amazing sarcasm aside, he just has way too much going for him. He can impact the game in so many ways. People have PTSD about Galch and KK but neither had the crazy overall package or the swagger that Slaf does. To be that big and play with that much energy is wild.

He's effing 19 and still very raw and he's arguably the biggest part of a 1st line that looks great possession wise. Yet somehow it's like pulling teeth to get a big portion of the fanbase excited about him.

Once the points will come more regularly people’s eyes will open, which is ironic because his level of play will be the same, he’ll just get the goals/points he’s been deserving for weeks.

 

[OnTheRun]

Who cares about competing? You can draft competitors with a 5th round pick (Gallagher, RHP). From a first overall I want a guy who can get some points, on the road especially. At least three per game.

Right? He could go and have multi-points games at the WJC too, now that would make me all warm and fuzzy inside.

 

[dackelljuneaubulis02]

The points are great, but what's most impressive is how he impacts the play all over the ice... He's becoming an absolute menace for opponents.

And he's only going to get stronger, more assertive & more efficient.

He's pushing that ceiling up week after week. Fun to watch.

That forecheck he made on a shift or two after his assist where he picked the guy's pocket and poked it to CC was a thing of beauty. Gets his goal off a screen.

We can all scream at each other about the point ceiling but his all around game will be very special. Hell at 19 it all ready is. Neither KK or Galch impacted the game anywhere near he did at the same age. It's not even close.

 

[dackelljuneaubulis02]

Once the points will come more regularly people’s eyes will open, wich is ironic because his level of play will be the same, he’ll just get the goals/points he’s been deserving for weeks.

Wanting production is fine but ignoring actual play and shifting the goal posts around just gets annoying. Like they somehow can't see a 19 year old getting any better even when he's creating plenty.

 

[SlafySZN]

Wanting production is fine but ignoring actual play and shifting the goal posts around just gets annoying. Like they somehow can't see a 19 year old getting any better even when he's creating plenty.

Yeah, i’m not looking at points for him this season, it’s just good for him and his confidence when he does get on the scoresheet. But really, the progression he is showing right now on the ice is all i was asking for this season.

The way he plays though, he could start racking up the points from now on for the rest of the season.