Juraj Slafkovsky - Year Two

[Tyson]

You're definitely in my top 10 favorite posters to talk hockey with. You don't get upset over the stupid stuff like some others do.

Thanks HH

Oh I have my moments but there are too many things affecting our lives currently and hockey isn't one of them. I like posting and reading here because it's a temporary reprieve from an insane world!

Joe Thornton got only 7pts in 55 games in his 1st season. He looked totally lost and couldn't stay on his feet. I remember Bruins and their fans getting mocked at the start. Slaf outplayed him in his first season. That's not to say Slaf will end-up with a career as good as Thorntons turned out to be, but simply that Slaf's NHL debut isn't that unusual and doesn't guarantee anything.

I used that same argument early on as well. I am now thinking they are not being smart on how they are handling him. With Dach hurt and a very thin forward group talent wise...who does he play with to help him gain confidence?

 

[SlafCaufield]

Slaf looking very good so far early on

 

[JT3]

I'm happy with the progression Slaf has seemingly had since he left the lineup last season, he's a lot more implicated in the play, his boardwork looks to be pretty good, defensive play looks to be pretty good, and he's making lots of nice feeds, either to set up chances or help in transition. The two glaring things I would like to see him work on:

1) Offensive positioning, I've found that he is not putting himself in the best spots to receive a pass or find open ice. A few times so far this season I've noticed linemates looking for an option but Slaf is just roaming around a bit trying to find open ice.

2) Partly goes in hand with #1, but getting his shot off. He's got a great shot, when he can get it off, which has been pretty rare honestly. He needs to be shooting way more. Some of that will come with him working out his positioning and finding the space. But I also think they should be parking him in front of the net after practice and just making him take snap shots for 20-30 mins. I feel like he wants to load up his wrist shot but he doesn't have the time to do so and doesn't end up getting the puck on net. Even if it's a softer shot I would rather him just take a snapper purely to get that puck to the net.

 

[LesCanadiens]

Thanks HH

Oh I have my moments but there are too many things affecting our lives currently and hockey isn't one of them. I like posting and reading here because it's a temporary reprieve from an insane world!


I used that same argument early on as well. I am now thinking they are not being smart on how they are handling him. With Dach hurt and a very thin forward group talent wise...who does he play with to help him gain confidence?

That's a good question. My guess is they'll be doing some experimenting with the lineup. My hope is that MSL keeps using him on PP2, do or die.

I look at the potential in plays like where he made that beautiful breakout pass from deep in our zone and then exploded up the ice to join the play and send that gorgeous pass to Newhook for his first goal.

He's also been much better in his positioning in every zone and has started to assert himself on the boards more. As long as there is even incremental progress, it's all good. Losing Dach sucks. But like Clint said in Heartbreak Ridge: Improvise, overcome, adapt.

 

[Tyson]

That's a good question. My guess is they'll be doing some experimenting with the lineup. My hope is that MSL keeps using him on PP2, do or die.

I look at the potential in plays like where he made that beautiful breakout pass from deep in our zone and then exploded up the ice to join the play and send that gorgeous pass to Newhook for his first goal.

He's also been much better in his positioning in every zone and has started to assert himself on the boards more. As long as there is even incremental progress, it's all good. Losing Dach sucks. But like Clint said in Heartbreak Ridge: Improvise, overcome, adapt.

Gunney Highway is a legend

That's a good question. My guess is they'll be doing some experimenting with the lineup. My hope is that MSL keeps using him on PP2, do or die.

I look at the potential in plays like where he made that beautiful breakout pass from deep in our zone and then exploded up the ice to join the play and send that gorgeous pass to Newhook for his first goal.

He's also been much better in his positioning in every zone and has started to assert himself on the boards more. As long as there is even incremental progress, it's all good. Losing Dach sucks. But like Clint said in Heartbreak Ridge: Improvise, overcome, adapt.

Thanks for the reply BTW. Some good points

 

[WeThreeKings]

We all know Slafkovsky is still learning positioning and where to go on the ice in NA and in the NHL.

Outside of that, there's two other things other than physical maturation.

One is utilizing his frame to get inside and get into traffic areas. I know this comes with maturation and confidence, but he needs to get off the one hand on the stick and going around the perimeter, keep the feet moving and protect the puck.

The other issue, which is the biggest correction and it's something that I've been noticing a lot more on what separates players. It's his first touch. How clean you can catch the puck and the first touch you make with it, often sets you up for success, or puts you behind the eight ball.

He needs to be better controlling the first touch and putting that first touch into a space where he can make a play or use his physical gifts.

 

[nhlfan9191]

We all know Slafkovsky is still learning positioning and where to go on the ice in NA and in the NHL.

Outside of that, there's two other things other than physical maturation.

One is utilizing his frame to get inside and get into traffic areas. I know this comes with maturation and confidence, but he needs to get off the one hand on the stick and going around the perimeter, keep the feet moving and protect the puck.

The other issue, which is the biggest correction and it's something that I've been noticing a lot more on what separates players. It's his first touch. How clean you can catch the puck and the first touch you make with it, often sets you up for success, or puts you behind the eight ball.

He needs to be better controlling the first touch and putting that first touch into a space where he can make a play or use his physical gifts.

It’s a shame Kirby Dach is hurt because using size without having to be overly physical is something he’s really good at and could rub onto somebody like Slafkovsky.

 

[Habssince89]

Lots of low key moments of people trying to move him and they fall down. Doesn't look super physical but he's unquestionably improving in using his size to protect himself and the puck.

I know this thread is inevitably going to focus in on what he's lacking or what he has to improve, but I just want to take a second to say it's pretty evident the guy is tremendously skilled, good IQ and unicorn athletic abilities.

I'm going to be patient but I don't like pretending there isn't evidence he's improving

 

[MilesNewton]

I think in general expectations are higher for a number 1 draft pick year 2. I don't think there is much of a hockey IQ there right now. Maybe it will improve with more games played, maybe it won't? It is early in the season but maybe coaching, lack of mentorship, hard to tell but he needs to get his head in the game.

 

[JeffreyLFC]

Three more large sized players who had slow start in their career but eventually broke out.
Roope Hintz, Dylan Cozens and Tage Thompson.

I just want to see decent progress on him.

 

[salbutera]

I hope you are right. The last thing this team can afford is another Patrik Stefan pick.

What if top-4 from draft end up similar to 2012?

 

[Tyson]

What if top-4 from draft end up similar to 2012?

I think Cooley and Nemec will not be busts.


How many points does Slaf produce this season ?

 

[salbutera]

I think Cooley and Nemec will not be busts.


How many points does Slaf produce this season ?

No idea - if I had those types of powers I’d have played $1.2B powerball last week

BTW - I don’t think either Galchenyuk or Murray were “busts” from 2012 draft class. They may not have lived up to projected potential, but weren’t busts

Former played over 650GP in the NHL, latter nearly 500GP…

For some reason I see a lot of Matt Duchene in Cooley…

 

[SlafySZN]

It’s a shame Kirby Dach is hurt because using size without having to be overly physical is something he’s really good at and could rub onto somebody like Slafkovsky.

Yes, Kirby is a really good example for Slaf to mold his game into.

 

[Mad]

He looks better than last year, that’s for sure.

Still has a lot of things to work on, but you seem him touch the puck more and seems to have better sequences here there.

Is it enough though ? Some things people are excited about are things he should be able and expected to do. It’s kind of concerning that as a group we get happy about those when it should be the norm for a guy with his tools and pedigree.

At times, I really wonder if it’s him or if he’s just struggling with some of St-Louis’ concepts.

If he can’t show noticeable improvement (more convincing/asserting in his play) after the 10 games mark, they should send him down. Maybe this will be better for him long term and help own up to his skills. Give him top minutes in every situation so he can gain that confidence he needs.

For now, I won’t compare him to Cooley as the latter has played 20 minutes a game since his arrival in the NHL. At one point, it will be hard to ignore but for now the sole focus should be his development.

They should try him on the first wave. Put him in different spots every time and see where he can create offense and what works best for him.

 

[Pazucha]

The only thing I really worry about is his stamina. He looks like sometimes he doesn't have the energy to finish the play.

 

[Scriptor]

I think fans are over-analysing Slafkovsky and the unreasonable questioning astowhy he isn't producing 40 goals and 40 assists right off the bat. MSL doesn't appear worried that Slafkovsky won't continue to progress and, as per the player's questions during his one on one conversations with the head coach, St-Louis appears to think the kid has a pretty decent hockey IQ.

Also, from all accounts, the kid his hungry to learn and improve, plus he's got a strong work ethic.

All the elements are there, IMO, for Slafkovsky together better as the year progresses and tone better next year after another solid offseason regimen.

Big guys take longer to ripen.The important thing is that he continues to mature and improve. The moment he plateaus for an extended period of time, without any serious injury as a reason, I'll start getting concerned about the player and the way he is being brought along by the coaching staff and the organization.

Until then, this is all one big panic sandwich being consumed by the more hysterical portion of the fans base.

 

[ReHabs]

Seems like everybody has a different idea of what Slaf needs to learn — from breathing correctly to stamina to hockey related aspects where everybody has a different criticism.

If he were producing or had a history of producing it would make more sense, but he’s not producing and he has so many different areas of improvement.

Is this typical commentary for a top drafted player who started his D+1 in the NHL?

Be honest.

 

[WeThreeKings]

Good to see he's still got good spirits despite the fan base.

 

[Sorinth]

Seems like everybody has a different idea of what Slaf needs to learn — from breathing correctly to stamina to hockey related aspects where everybody has a different criticism.

If he were producing or had a history of producing it would make more sense, but he’s not producing and he has so many different areas of improvement.

Is this typical commentary for a top drafted player who started his D+1 in the NHL?

Be honest.

In Montreal yes it's fairly typical to see lots of criticism against our top prospects and players.

 

[morhilane]

Good to see he's still got good spirits despite the fan base.

"Looks like Slaf is having fun this morning"
I'm not translating the other part.

 

[Trabdy2]

I think Cooley and Nemec will not be busts.


How many points does Slaf produce this season ?

I figure 25-35.

 

[ginomini]

We all know Slafkovsky is still learning positioning and where to go on the ice in NA and in the NHL.

Outside of that, there's two other things other than physical maturation.

One is utilizing his frame to get inside and get into traffic areas. I know this comes with maturation and confidence, but he needs to get off the one hand on the stick and going around the perimeter, keep the feet moving and protect the puck.

The other issue, which is the biggest correction and it's something that I've been noticing a lot more on what separates players. It's his first touch. How clean you can catch the puck and the first touch you make with it, often sets you up for success, or puts you behind the eight ball.

He needs to be better controlling the first touch and putting that first touch into a space where he can make a play or use his physical gifts.

I'm happy someone else focuses on first touch/pass reception. I have said for a few years now that it's the number one skill that leads to hockey IQ and the most underrated skill in hockey (rarely practiced too). It's so simple too, more time = better decisions.

Good first touch gives you more time. It's funny how it's so important in soccer, but barely discussed in hockey...

 

[BaseballCoach]

In Montreal yes it's fairly typical to see lots of criticism against our top prospects and players.

Matthew Knies was a Hobey Baker Grand Finalist 5 months ago, and is on pace for zero points this year.

Leaf Panic Time

 

[WeThreeKings]

I'm happy someone else focuses on first touch/pass reception. I have said for a few years now that it's the number one skill that leads to hockey IQ and the most underrated skill in hockey (rarely practiced too). It's so simple too, more time = better decisions.

Good first touch gives you more time. It's funny how it's so important in soccer, but barely discussed in hockey...

Honestly I had never really focused on it until I got back into gentleman's hockey (I'm a goalie) and the difference between players who can do something out there and those who generally struggle, it was always hitting me how they receive the pass and make that first touch.

Like you said, it created space, it opened up plays.. but when you see a fumbled pass reception, or making the wrong first touch or move, it was all problem solving and all this work just to retain possession, let alone make a play.