Juraj Slafkovsky - Year Two

Where would you prefer Slaf spend his 23-24 season?


  • Total voters
    596
Status
Not open for further replies.

Andy

Registered User
Jun 26, 2008
32,222
17,004
Montreal
Other than the Wild game he's had a very, very good start of season. He's created a number of chances every game.

The only thing preventing this discussion from being very positive is the lack of points. But the opportunities have been there every game. A couple of conversions on some plays and we're all saying that it's a very strong start.
 

BaseballCoach

Registered User
Dec 15, 2006
21,252
9,583
Why? Is it a drawback for every player playing juniors right now? The ONLY reason he's in the NHL right now is his draft pick and size. So he is able to sometimes look fine because of his size. But more often than not, he's lost. It's going too fast. He needs to learn how to walk. Strangely, they've realized it with Mesar.....but somehow don't have the ego to do the same with Juraj.....
Most observers see the huge, enormous difference in quality of play on ice between Mesar and Slafkovsky.

The priniciple in development is to play at the best level you can play at without getting favours over currently better players, and without being starved of playing time. And no, 12+ minutes is not being 'starved'.

Most 16 year olds in the CHL start on the 3rd or 4th line in October, even though they could be killing it in Midget AAA.

Most 15 year olds in Midget AAA could be killing it in Bantam AAA or Midget AA.

The bulk of prospects played at the highest level at which they could look decent, and this for their whole lives. Most would then, according to their long-term potential, improve at each level, the best of them heading toward standing out.

In an age category that is 2-4 years long, it normally takes a half season, maybe a whole one in the CHL, to start standing out. In the pros, it often takes longer as guys don't graduate out due to being too good, they only drop off due to age or injury.

Holding guys back to allegedly increase confidence is just not a research-supported developmental path. Perhaps it is useful to a small minority of athletes, but it is hardly a standard.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Jaynki

BaseballCoach

Registered User
Dec 15, 2006
21,252
9,583
Other than the Wild game he's had a very, very good start of season. He's created a number of chances every game.

The only thing preventing this discussion from being very positive is the lack of points. But the opportunities have been there every game. A couple of conversions on some plays and we're all saying that it's a very strong start.
Even in the Wild game, the team's worst, Slaf was not on the ice for any ES goals against. And please no one say that he hardly plays at ES; he is 4th among forwards for ES ice time.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Ozmodiar

Whitesnake

If you rebuild, they will come.
Jan 5, 2003
90,720
39,614
Holding guys back to allegedly increase confidence is just not a research-supported developmental path. Perhaps it is useful to a small minority of athletes, but it is hardly a standard.
Holding guys back? You'd think Slaf would go in the AHL and have the offense that a guy like Roy does? That he'd fine the level too easy? Small minority of athletes? As in..most? What's the percentage of guys that starts in the NHL at 18 years old?

Can people make the difference between not having players in the AHL at all yet, their 1st season in the NHL is at 20 or 21 and what Slaf had to deal with?

Yeah, I see too the difference between Mesar and Slaf. Reason why I have no problem sending Mesar in Juniors while I'm saying to put Slaf on a 1st line in the AHL, playing top quality minutes including the PP.
 

calder candidate

Registered User
Feb 25, 2003
5,118
3,065
Montreal
Visit site
Dumb dumb Ducharme was not really great with the young kids. Go figure eh? We thought bringing in Ducharme and Bouchard were good moves. Anyways, KK did get miss managed by both Julien and Ducharme.

If there were no offer sheet (Canes revenge), I think he stays and takes a bridge deal and the disgruntledness goes away.

Unique circumstance with Ducharme and the Canes offer sheet revenge. Worked in KK's favor
The only reason it work is because KK didn’t want to sign in MTL, didn’t even return MB call. If MTL match they couldn’t trade him and he was going to be in the exact situation the next season and do the same think… I hate the guy but if he had KK vs. Dvorak we would be a way better situation but as soon as he accepted the OS it was done… Just horrible management, he should not even have been eligible for a OS to start with, than we should have prioritize the top prospect vs. Staal or a coach that no other player wanted to play for.
 

Ozmodiar

Registered User
Oct 18, 2017
6,331
7,664
I think it’s time for a trial on the top line.

I’d like to see him play with more highly skilled linemates. Yes, it will be higher quality of opposition, but that’s fine. Try it out until Dvo returns. Then go Monahan/Slaf on line #2.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Jaynki

Sh4ded12

Registered User
Sep 16, 2023
4
14
So far what I see in the game of Slafkovsky is that he is slowly getting more comfortable handling the puck in tight spaces and making the right passes/reads. Also, his play on the boards is getting better but still not he's not strong enough still to be a consistent puck protector down low but he's getting better at giving and accepting checks to open up the other two lanes for his linemates.

However I find that he is playing with one hand in O zone way too much, in D it's fine. He seems to want to one-time on PP2 but they are not feeding him the chances to develop that aspect in game rep. I find that his play 5v5 is getting better every game but has a hard time feeling where his guy is on the ice. Overall, I see improvement but I would like the coaching staff to feed him more offensive touches on the PP.
 
  • Like
Reactions: MadMslm and Pazucha

BaseballCoach

Registered User
Dec 15, 2006
21,252
9,583
Holding guys back? You'd think Slaf would go in the AHL and have the offense that a guy like Roy does? That he'd fine the level too easy? Small minority of athletes? As in..most? What's the percentage of guys that starts in the NHL at 18 years old?

Can people make the difference between not having players in the AHL at all yet, their 1st season in the NHL is at 20 or 21 and what Slaf had to deal with?

Yeah, I see too the difference between Mesar and Slaf. Reason why I have no problem sending Mesar in Juniors while I'm saying to put Slaf on a 1st line in the AHL, playing top quality minutes including the PP.
When I say 'small minority of players' I mean only a small minority might not respond well to the standard development path of playing at the level you can handle while learning more.

Indeed the majority of 18-19 year olds cannot handle the NHL, and need to raise their level first.

The issue with Roy is that he did not show enough offensively in the preseason/camp to justify being started in the NHL over guys like Pearson, Ylonen and RHP, given his need to adjust to playing without the puck as well. He is in the AHL not just to accumulate points but to improve these other areas, and JF Houle reminded him and us of this.

I don't think Slaf would necessarily have scored 11 points in 5 AHL games, but we can't forget that 1.5 years ago, he was already putting up great numbers against weaker-than-NHL pros, at the Olympics. But then again, I don't think Roy will get 11 points every 5 AHL games either.
 

Mrb1p

PRICERSTOPDAPUCK
Dec 10, 2011
91,701
58,805
Citizen of the world
I think it’s time for a trial on the top line.

I’d like to see him play with more highly skilled linemates. Yes, it will be higher quality of opposition, but that’s fine. Try it out until Dvo returns. Then go Monahan/Slaf on line #2.
No points in his last 5 games but he gets an audition on the first line?
 
  • Like
Reactions: Jaynki

Jaynki

Registered User
Feb 3, 2014
5,870
6,049
Other than the Wild game he's had a very, very good start of season. He's created a number of chances every game.

The only thing preventing this discussion from being very positive is the lack of points. But the opportunities have been there every game. A couple of conversions on some plays and we're all saying that it's a very strong start.

Agree.

Jack Hughes got started for real in the 2nd half of his second season.

Its a matter of time before Slaf puts it all together.

Still we finally have bribes of his potential. We see things this year that we did not see last year and its starting to be similar to the player we saw at the world cup.

I think it’s time for a trial on the top line.

I’d like to see him play with more highly skilled linemates. Yes, it will be higher quality of opposition, but that’s fine. Try it out until Dvo returns. Then go Monahan/Slaf on line #2.

Agree. RHP seems to be holding Suzuki and Caufield back.

Slaf could generate a lot there. I think its a matter of time before we see him there especially if Nick stay cold.
 

Mrb1p

PRICERSTOPDAPUCK
Dec 10, 2011
91,701
58,805
Citizen of the world
Same for RHP.
I mean, RHP has 2 points in 5 games but yeah he hasnt been too strong either. He has the benefit of 22 points in 39 games so far in his career though.
Because his line isn’t working.


Yeah, he hasn’t stepped up. Preseason wasn’t good either.
Newhook has produced with 5 different players, Slaf has produced with no one.

When do we start blaming Slaf for actually not producing ? I haven't watched last game, but Slaf is an anchor out there. He doesn't tilt the ice, he doesn't make positive plays, he's not good at retrieving pucks, he doesn't shoot, he doesn't drive the net, he doesn't intimidate, he doesn't play good defense, basically whats his strength ?
 

salbutera

Registered User
Sep 10, 2019
15,175
16,961
I mean, RHP has 2 points in 5 games but yeah he hasnt been too strong either. He has the benefit of 22 points in 39 games so far in his career though.

Newhook has produced with 5 different players, Slaf has produced with no one.

When do we start blaming Slaf for actually not producing ? I haven't watched last game, but Slaf is an anchor out there. He doesn't tilt the ice, he doesn't make positive plays, he's not good at retrieving pucks, he doesn't shoot, he doesn't drive the net, he doesn't intimidate, he doesn't play good defense, basically whats his strength ?
Perhaps you should have - Slaf was flying last night and clearly the best Habs forward the first 2-periods
 

Tyson

Registered User
Mar 1, 2007
49,876
72,325
Texas
Perhaps you should have - Slaf was flying last night and clearly the best forward the first 2-periods
He has been night and day different from last season. He was noticeable in a good way last night.

I mean, RHP has 2 points in 5 games but yeah he hasnt been too strong either. He has the benefit of 22 points in 39 games so far in his career though.

Newhook has produced with 5 different players, Slaf has produced with no one.

When do we start blaming Slaf for actually not producing ? I haven't watched last game, but Slaf is an anchor out there. He doesn't tilt the ice, he doesn't make positive plays, he's not good at retrieving pucks, he doesn't shoot, he doesn't drive the net, he doesn't intimidate, he doesn't play good defense, basically whats his strength ?
An anchor would be Josh Anderson, not the 19 year old kid.
 

Hannibal

Fear the Weber
Feb 11, 2007
11,153
8,737
I mean, RHP has 2 points in 5 games but yeah he hasnt been too strong either. He has the benefit of 22 points in 39 games so far in his career though.

Newhook has produced with 5 different players, Slaf has produced with no one.

When do we start blaming Slaf for actually not producing ? I haven't watched last game, but Slaf is an anchor out there. He doesn't tilt the ice, he doesn't make positive plays, he's not good at retrieving pucks, he doesn't shoot, he doesn't drive the net, he doesn't intimidate, he doesn't play good defense, basically whats his strength ?

22 points in 39 games as a 24 year old. *
 

BaseballCoach

Registered User
Dec 15, 2006
21,252
9,583
RHP seems to be holding Suzuki and Caufield back.

People forget that RHP was good with Suzuki for several games, but he never played with Caufield.

The objective is different when Suzy and Cole are both your linemates. Someone needs to be good in his own zone and also open up space. I would go with Pearson until Dvorak comes back.

Pearson-Suzuki-Caufield
Slafkovsky-Monahan-Anderson
RHP-Newhook-Ylonen
Pezzetta-Evans-Gallagher

then:
Dvorak-Suzuki-Caufield
Slafkovsky-Monahan-Anderson
RHP-Newhook-Ylonen
Pearson-Evans-Gallagher
(2/3/4 centers could be moved around, I matched up the wingers)
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Toene

salbutera

Registered User
Sep 10, 2019
15,175
16,961
Don’t see it lasting long, but yeah Pearson looks like a good fit at present with Suzuki/Caufield. Ride that momentum train
 

vlady

Registered User
May 22, 2009
1,269
1,657
Bratislava
www.powerplay.studio
I mean, RHP has 2 points in 5 games but yeah he hasnt been too strong either. He has the benefit of 22 points in 39 games so far in his career though.

Newhook has produced with 5 different players, Slaf has produced with no one.

When do we start blaming Slaf for actually not producing ? I haven't watched last game, but Slaf is an anchor out there. He doesn't tilt the ice, he doesn't make positive plays, he's not good at retrieving pucks, he doesn't shoot, he doesn't drive the net, he doesn't intimidate, he doesn't play good defense, basically whats his strength ?
Wait, you haven't started yet?
 

Mrb1p

PRICERSTOPDAPUCK
Dec 10, 2011
91,701
58,805
Citizen of the world
Perhaps you should have - Slaf was flying last night and clearly the best Habs forward the first 2-periods
Thats quite the claim. I watched the condensed game and I see four puck touches.

One: Initial breakaway, nice, but he fans on the shot and it's an easy stop for the Sabres goaltender.
Two: He gets a two on one and takes a poor shot on his low right side which prevents a goal and a rebound.
Three: Terrible ass pass in front of the net that gets deflected on a sabres skate and amounts to nothing.
Four: He flubs a pass on the PP and sends a knuckle puck to Newhook for Pearsons goal.
Another significant play I saw is his god-awful backcheck on one of Cozens shot in the 2nd where he was one stride away from 3 Sabres player but decided to coast with his confused look on his face and his mouth opened in his distinctive O that resulted in Anderson having to cover 3 guys and a Cozens shot.

I know this team is bad but cmon.
He has been night and day different from last season. He was noticeable in a good way last night.


An anchor would be Josh Anderson, not the 19 year old kid.

Again, the age of the player does not matter. He hasn't even been close to good and should be in the AHL. He has trouble with basic puck touches and he needs reps.

22 points in 39 games as a 24 year old. *

It doesn't matter, Slaf isn't there right now and should be in the AHL. Nobodys saying RHP is going to be better or has more value or whatever.

Wait, you haven't started yet?
Id blame HuGo and Marty more than Slaf but yeah, by extension its on him being god-awful too.
 

Habbietat

Registered User
Jul 1, 2022
245
293
serious question for all the people who think Slaf look great, at what point is it important to you that his play translate to points? Will you change your mind at 1-3 points in 20 games? 5 points in 40? Just wondering
 

Mrb1p

PRICERSTOPDAPUCK
Dec 10, 2011
91,701
58,805
Citizen of the world
It's sad that Slaf is an afterthought lol. He'd probably be great next year, or even would've been great this year if they played him in the AHL. Now were going to take the long-way home like we took with Kotkaniemi and he might be good at 24.

serious question for all the people who think Slaf look great, at what point is it important to you that his play translate to points? Will you change your mind at 1-3 points in 20 games? 5 points in 40? Just wondering
He's still 19 bro ! Trust the process! This year wasn't about points, thats next year!
 
  • Like
Reactions: River Meadow
Status
Not open for further replies.

Ad

Ad

Ad