Juraj Slafkovsky - Year Two

[HabbyGuy]

I feel like the shot will be something that Slaf will improve for next year, with a good offseason. The improvement we've seen from last year is, to me, the result of this offseason training. Therefore I'm not expecting a big increase in goal scoring from Slaf this season (other than scoring from around the net).

Let's hope so because as it seems according to the article, it's been a nagging problem for years despite him being a fast learner or a player who's willing to put in the work.

It looks like it's the least comfortable aspect of his game for him. That said he does have a strong shot when he does get it off.

One of my favourite things about Slaf is his desire to be better than he was yesterday. So hopefully he'll continue with this aspect of his game and find some confidence in his shot.

Nothing wrong with being a passer more than a shooter, but having both at his disposal would make him far more effective and dangerous.

I think it's more a confidence issue which seems funny because this is a young man who clearly doesn't lack confidence in general. Which helped sway Montreal to pick him in the first place, being the number 1 overall pick in this city in a weaker draft could be very difficult on any player. Slaf was the one they felt best could handle that pressure, while having very intriguing upside.

He could truly be that mythical unicorn if he hits his potential. Having the confidence and mental makeup he does affords him the time needed to get there while being able to handle the pressure and scrutiny that comes with playing here.

While others could/would potentially crumble.

 

[Rapala]

One only has to look at his first goal in the NHL to realize he has a good shot. Time and Space are his main issue right now and he's starting to understand how to manage. His release is so long it's easy to counter for one thing and then his bang bang chances are rushed and invariably fail. Less time to react for the former and more time than he thinks for the latter. He'll get it. I think it's obvious the game has already slowed down some for him.

 

[The Gr8 Dane]

crow has never been more delicious yum yum yum

 

[Rapala]

crow has never been more delicious yum yum yum

I'm only admitting to eating sparrow. While I was hard on Slaf last season I always felt he was in the wrong place. Not to mention I've complimented him on his improvements almost from day 1 this season.

 

[dackelljuneaubulis02]

One only has to look at his first goal in the NHL to realize he has a good shot. Time and Space are his main issue right now and he's starting to understand how to manage. His release is so long it's easy to counter for one thing and then his bang bang chances are rushed and invariably fail. Less time to react for the former and more time than he thinks for the latter. He'll get it. I think it's obvious the game has already slowed down some for him.

Exactly. The shot is there. He has such an expansive toolbox, he’s gonna take a bit to put it all together. He’s got hands too. Once it all comes, he’ll be a monster.

 

[417]

Exactly. The shot is there. He has such an expansive toolbox, he’s gonna take a bit to put it all together. He’s got hands too. Once it all comes, he’ll be a monster.

Shot is there like you've both said, it's just learning how to be better prepared to use it at the NHL level, with less time and space.

 

[Pompeius Magnus]

Once he starts hitting the net with his shot with more regularity, his production will definitely go to the next level. The good news is that he's already showed the ability to work on key parts of his game and improve on them, so I'm not too worried , he'll get better at it with time.

 

[Lafleurs Guy]

Once he starts hitting the net with his shot with more regularity, his production will definitely go to the next level. The good news is that he's already showed the ability to work on key parts of his game and improve on them, so I'm not too worried , he'll get better at it with time.

Needs to shoot a lot more for that to happen. Way more shots on goal are needed. It’s the next step in his development.

 

[Habssince89]

His shot will be one of the last components of his game to come together. It will take more in game experience and then training to improve his shooting based on the video

 

[The Gr8 Dane]

I'm only admitting to eating sparrow. While I was hard on Slaf last season I always felt he was in the wrong place. Not to mention I've complimented him on his improvements almost from day 1 this season.

I've always been supportive of him but I really thought he could use some time in the A. He looks good I hope he keeps it up

 

[Rapala]

Shot is there like you've both said, it's just learning how to be better prepared to use it at the NHL level, with less time and space.

I think his next guru will be the dude who worked with Dach this past off season. Too bad we never got a chance to see the results. The premise is players can generate just as much power using a quicker short 6-8 inch release closer to the body. The further the puck is away from the body the longer the release will be and the easier for defenders/goaltenders to pick up. The before and after videos were awesome. I'm not sure what they can do with Slaf and his super long twig.

 

[Tyson]

I just want the kid to succeed. The Habs have been arguably the smallest team in the league since the late 90's.
We need this kid to become the next dominant power forward in the league.

What's his upside? I have no idea.
I do know that we are seeing glimpses of what he can become if he continues using his size and skill.
I have been all over the map with Slaf...should he have stayed in Europe? Go to Laval? Play in the WJC?
It appears that the path management has chosen seems to be slowly working.
As I have said a few times...just wait another year or two...this kid will be an absolute handful for any NHL Dmen.

 

[BLONG7]

I just want the kid to succeed. The Habs have been arguably the smallest team in the league since the late 90's.
We need this kid to become the next dominant power forward in the league.

What's his upside? I have no idea.
I do know that we are seeing glimpses of what he can become if he continues using his size and skill.
I have been all over the map with Slaf...should he have stayed in Europe? Go to Laval? Play in the WJC?
It appears that the path management has chosen seems to be slowly working.
As I have said a few times...just wait another year or two...this kid will be an absolute handful for any NHL Dmen.

He is on the right path...............it's a process, kinda like the coach, and the team. We are moving along slow but sure.

 

[Kennerback]

I think his next guru will be the dude who worked with Dach this past off season. Too bad we never got a chance to see the results. The premise is players can generate just as much power using a quicker short 6-8 inch release closer to the body. The further the puck is away from the body the longer the release will be and the easier for defenders/goaltenders to pick up. The before and after videos were awesome. I'm not sure what they can do with Slaf and his super long twig.

I’m a big fan of a long stick for him but if there’s no way around giving him a shorter stick to improve the release, I guess it needs to be looked at. Bedard’s stick is ridiculously long. Zuccarello’s stick is taller than him and their release is as dangerous as CC’s much shorter stick. IDK what the solution is.

 

[Rapala]

I’m a big fan of a long stick for him but if there’s no way around giving him a shorter stick to improve the release, I guess it needs to be looked at. Bedard’s stick is ridiculously long. Zuccarello’s stick is taller than him and their release is as dangerous as CC’s much shorter stick. IDK what the solution is.

Hard to say. Some players who ended up cutting an inch or two and changing the lie have benefitted others not. One thing it does do is make the players take an extra stride before reaching the other thing is the whole puck carrying method changes a bit and the puck is automatically closer to the body.
No one will ever bother trying to change Bedard etc. It's only an option for players who are struggling with release time. I'm not sure if Dach made any changes to his stick but the length he takes the puck back and the release point is completely different. Compact and powerful.

 

[Naslundforever]

I’m a big fan of a long stick for him but if there’s no way around giving him a shorter stick to improve the release, I guess it needs to be looked at. Bedard’s stick is ridiculously long. Zuccarello’s stick is taller than him and their release is as dangerous as CC’s much shorter stick. IDK what the solution is.

I want Slaf’s face as far from the ice as possible so I’d set the shortest length to whatever squat he can sustain while looking way way up?

Half kidding but I needed a long stick myself playing beer league D (stiff ankles I suppose)… and still had quite the shot despite teammates always poking fun at my fishing rod. Not mad Bedard stole that from me.

 

[KevSkillz4]

First of all, Slafkovsky is a pure skilled talented offensive player with very good hands, a very good shot and great passing ability.

But he is a big 6"3 two-way powerforward with attitude of high hardwork. The thing that he have that total package, make him a unique unicorn.

The comparison with another skilled big players like Rick Nash and Andrei Svechnikov will always be there.

But to me, he is a prototype of Marian Hossa. Two-way winger, can do everything on ice, shot, pass, hands and so far, Slaf prove that he can be that type of winger. Slaf will be Slaf, but no doubt, Habs selected a very very good one and the potential of him is immense.

 

[Lafleurs Guy]

First of all, Slafkovsky is a pure skilled talented offensive player with very good hands, a very good shot and great passing ability.

But he is a big 6"3 two-way powerforward with attitude of high hardwork. The thing that he have that total package, make him a unique unicorn.

The comparison with another skilled big players like Rick Nash and Andrei Svechnikov will always be there.

But to me, he is a prototype of Marian Hossa. Two-way winger, can do everything on ice, shot, pass, hands and so far, Slaf prove that he can be that type of winger. Slaf will be Slaf, but no doubt, Habs selected a very very good one and the potential of him is immense.

Don’t think he’ll be as lethal a sniper as Hossa.

 

[Lafleurs Guy]

I’m a big fan of a long stick for him…

It’s times like these I hate being a mod.

 

[Jaaanosik]

Don’t think he’ll be as lethal a sniper as Hossa.

Right, he might be better.

 

[KevSkillz4]

Don’t think he’ll be as lethal a sniper as Hossa.

Maybe you right! But the potential of being a two-way winger who can do everything on ice like Marian Hossa, is obviously there and we call all hope that type of impact. This year he show more than flashes, he play very good 2nd year!

 

[GrandBison]

Don’t think he’ll be as lethal a sniper as Hossa.

He should try Hossa's gloves

 

[417]

He should try Hossa's gloves

What a time to be alive that was.

The Hossa to Habs and Sundin to Habs era, was something else here on HF at the time.

 

[Paddy17]

What a time to be alive that was.

The Hossa to Habs and Sundin to Habs era, was something else here on HF at the time.

Don't forget about "Darkest day in Habs history".

Drama at its best on HF.

 

[417]

Don't forget about "Darkest day in Habs history".

Drama at its best on HF.

Oh man NOTHING beats that…Michel Villeneuve and Michel Bergeron crying on 110%

I was laughing my ass off the whole time lol