Juraj Slafkovsky - Year Two

[WeThreeKings]

Wright is in the AHL putting up pt/game at 19 like he should be... Slaf has 1 point in his last 24 games in the NHL. In that span he only has 21 shots and a -13. Not sure what he is learning in the NHL when the last time he scored a goal was 11 months ago. But sure, we're complainers. Canes showing Habs what kind of developmental place Montreal is...

C'mon man - if we picked Wright at 1.. this place would be JUST as mad that he was terrible in the WJCs, terrible in the OHL, terrible in the AHL play-offs and then had to be in the AHL in his D+2.

 

[Bombshell11]

As they say in French, "N'importe quoi!"

It just sounds like you're looking for a problem. I see zero problems with Slafkovsky's hockey IQ.

According to St-Louis, his understanding of the games top notch. Offensively, his IQ is on display as an example with the pass he made to send Anderson off on a breakaway. It wasn't some forward pass as he was dandily jaunting forward uptake ice. It showed a quick glimpse of the ice and an understanding of what was developing before getting the puck and making the play.

Other examples, but in a hurry now...

In a vacuum, Slaf's IQ might be higher than Magnus Carlsson.... who knows.

Under pressure in the NHL it drops down to room temperature

 

[Redux91]

This thread is a pretty good proof our fanbase is among the worst in the NHL. We really should not be laughing at the fan base of other teams.

No
Just more to the point that we have 'the largest' fanbase
And IN that largest fanbase, you'll have the dumbest, but you'll have the smartest too
It's a spectrum really.

 

[Apoplectic Habs Fan]

As they say in French, "N'importe quoi!"

It just sounds like you're looking for a problem. I see zero problems with Slafkovsky's hockey IQ.

According to St-Louis, his understanding of the games top notch. Offensively, his IQ is on display as an example with the pass he made to send Anderson off on a breakaway. It wasn't some forward pass as he was dandily jaunting forward uptake ice. It showed a quick glimpse of the ice and an understanding of what was developing before getting the puck and making the play.

Other examples, but in a hurry now...

Not looking for problems. You are putting your head in the sand. Far too often he is not involved or looks confused of what to do.

Dont care much to what St Louis says in public. Its fluff in general as they wont throw a first overall under the bus.

Yes he makes some plays at times that indicates he has ability. David Savard broke a few ankles last year with toe drags. A few glimpses doesnt indicate anything yet

Slaf has offensive abililty, needs to get stronger and ive preached patience.

 

[LesCanadiens]

C'mon man - if we picked Wright at 1.. this place would be JUST as mad that he was terrible in the WJCs, terrible in the OHL, terrible in the AHL play-offs and then had to be in the AHL in his D+2.

...and let's not forget...terrible in the NHL..

I'm so happy we didn't pick Wright. Big risk/reward for both prospects. But I like placing their bets on the big dude more. Especially how he dominated in the Olympics.

 

[Jaynki]

Great question- is it too late to salvage this kid?


I know it's wayyyy too early to call Slaf a bust but it is becoming increasingly concerning with each passing game.
He just isn't showing enough.

Some players who bust are directly responsible but the majority of young players who don't pan out are more of a direct result of management totally mishandling the development of that player.

I feel bad for Slaf, I really do.

I agree that he is not showing enough. I think it is fair to hold this type of prospect to high standard. We can acknowledge that he is not your typical 1st overall pick, but that does not mean he should not hit certain threshold, which he is not currently.

Where i disagree tho is about salvaging him. That imply in a sense that he is being ruined and i disagree here. I think he is under good tutoring right now. I am not sure the AHL is the solution either.

I will refer to MSL recent interview with lapresse.ca. He said he was satisfied with Slaf and that he is touching the puck a lot more. I don't know where they are going with him nor do i know what is asked of him tho but i am lightly encouraged by his interview. I want to give them the benefit of the doubt. Hughes was a specialist in player development as an agent and he put an emphasis on not missing his 1st pick. MSL is the total unicorn. The benefit of the doubt is not a free pass tho.


We can argue about what is best for him, if he is ruined or not. At the end of the day, result will speak for themselves and management will be tributary of their decision. I think its too early to draw any conclusion. At best, we can spot an early trend that is as disapointing as it can be easily overturned.

 

[Tyson]

I agree that he is not showing enough. I think it is fair to hold this type of prospect to high standard. We can acknowledge that he is not your typical 1st overall pick, but that does not mean he should not hit certain threshold, which he is not currently.

Where i disagree tho is about salvaging him. That imply in a sense that he is being ruined and i disagree here. I think he is under good tutorat

He appears confident, plays top 6 minutes, so in that regard he is learning. How long before he starts losing confidence? We all want him to develop and become a great player for this team, I am just concerned with how management has elected to develop him.

 

[Jaynki]

He appears confident, plays top 6 minutes, so in that regard he is learning. How long before he starts losing confidence? We all want him to develop and become a great player for this team, I am just concerned with how management has elected to develop him.

Valid concern. He seems to be a confident person but he is young and has big shoe to fill. I thought he looked fragile too.

 

[Mrb1p]

Great sample size to judge as well. Impatience makes uninformed opinions.

I never even mentioned the COVID reason where players missed time, so I'mnot even addressing that ludicrous point you now try to get me on.

I mentioned missing the experience of the rest of the season and the different stages he would have made in his development as per the team plan with him -- because of his injury.

Each case is different with a player's development because of many different factors, starting with the NHL readiness strictly based on physical maturity, then on mental maturity

The makeup of the team and wether it is outright rebuilding (therefore developing players at the NHL level as well as at the AHL level),rather than tweaking the lineup with a reset where they are still aiming for a playoff spot. That will happen for teams who chose higher in the draft because of a devastating injury bug in a season, or the loss of a few key cogs in the wheel

No need to lump everything into the same cookie cutter model, especially if you want to actually understand a given situation. Of course, if the aim is just to complain, or to find the next victim on which to transfer one's own frustrations, trying to lump everything together is good means of arriving at that goal.

Those doing that and feeling better for it, should keep up the good work.

So development only happens after you are drafted? Man thats a load of shit. Admit you were wrong and move on, its not hard to do so.

 

[NotProkofievian]

Keep calm and WUDDABOUTWRIGHT.

 

[River Meadow]

In the balance of all of this- slafkovsky's confidence is going to wane soon. No way he can play 20 games, have no goals and one assist.

And why not?

Why can't he play 20 games and have only 1 assist...

He's only 19 years old don't-cha-kno.

 

[GettingYourMoms]

At least be honest that if we picked Wright at 1, you'd be complaining just the same:

"What a 1 OA, 2nd year and he's in the AHL"

The draft year wasn't good, there's merit that Slaf shouldn't have been the pick, there's merit he should have started in Laval or be there now.

There isn't merit to just shouting 1st overall to try to diminish what he is.. we all knew the 1st OA was not going to be a franchise player. That wasn't on the table.

We picked Slaf

Nemec is in the AHL
Cooley is in the NHL now and is the best case for 1OA.
Jiricek is in the NHL and looking less ready than Juraj.
Wright is in the AHL.

Not all draft classes are equal, not all 1OA are equal.

Nope Jiricek looks fantastic in his last 3-4 games with 0pp minutes and playing only first 2 peiods. Vincent is protecting him alot, maybe too much.

 

[Tyson]

Valid concern. He seems to be a confident person but he is young and has big shoe to fill. I thought he looked fragile too.

I also think his current linemates are not a good fit for him. Let's face it, Josh Anderson has no chemistry with either Newhook or Slaf. When Dvorak returns I would put Newhook with Suzuki and Caufield and put Monahan at center with Slaf.

 

[zx81]

While I would send him down and would have done it from the start of the season, if they really want to test him, they should try him on a different line away from Anderson. Play him on one of the bottom 6 lines and see if he can develop any chemistry with another player.

 

[Tyson]

And why not?

Why can't he play 20 games and have only 1 assist...

He's only 19 years old don't-cha-kno.

Yeah a 19 year old kid with 1 assist in 20 games will affect his confidence. Not sure why I have to post such an obvious fact.

 

[River Meadow]

Yeah a 19 year old kid with 1 assist in 20 games will affect his confidence. Not sure why I have to post such an obvious fact.

Your sarcasm detector is malfunctioning, sir.

This emoji also is literally named 'sarcasm'.

 

[Tabarouette]

but what about JOE THORNTON

 

[Tabarouette]

honestly I hope Slaf gets a point next game just so they can feast and say stuff like "see I told you so just be patient!" and "I knew it, the floodgates are open now"

they've been working so hard at it, they deserve a little something positive in their misery

 

[Mrb1p]

Im the first to admit that Wright is a huge disappointment.

With that said, the flip flopping in this thread and the moving of goalposts is downright insane.

 

[Whitesnake]

Any chance we know how Wright's name appeared in that thread? How is he in any way related to Slafkovsky's progression? lol

 

[Mrb1p]

Any chance we know how Wright's name appeared in that thread? How is he in any way related to Slafkovsky's progression? lol

Thats a good question.

 

[Jaynki]

honestly I hope Slaf gets a point next game just so they can feast and say stuff like "see I told you so just be patient!" and "I knew it, the floodgates are open now"

they've been working so hard at it, they deserve a little something positive in their misery

There is only a portion of fan who is living in misery.

 

[Tabarouette]

There is only a portion of fan who is living in misery.

People who have been following the team for a long time yeah agreed, I too wish this team wasn't a joke or a fluke for once in my life

that usually starts with having a star player, usually drafted 1OA

 

[Apoplectic Habs Fan]

While I would send him down and would have done it from the start of the season, if they really want to test him, they should try him on a different line away from Anderson. Play him on one of the bottom 6 lines and see if he can develop any chemistry with another player.

100 %. And its not to take any blame from Slaf and his own play but Anderson has spent half his season with Caulfield and Suzuki and first PP time and done sweet piss all.

The guy is just not a fit with anyone. He can score 25 a year and it would still feel like he would harm the line as a whole

 

[Miller Time]

Nope Jiricek looks fantastic in his last 3-4 games with 0pp minutes and playing only first 2 peiods. Vincent is protecting him alot, maybe too much.

Wait... an NHL coach is "benching" a top draft pick... how dare they, don't they know he should be shipped to the AHL asap lest his confidence be destroyed