LW Juraj Slafkovsky (2022, 1st, MTL) Part 3

[HuGo Sham]

Slafkovsky has been getting better as the season has progressed. He is getting second line power play minutes now. Sure he is playing on the fourth line but the he has played a more pivotal role on that line. For the last while he has played with Evans and Pezzetta. Slafkovsky has been the driver on that line and has created scorings opportunities.

What I am really hoping is that he switches places with Armia and hops up to Monahan’s line. Then I think everyone will get a better viewing of him.

got your wish = goal

 

[Goldenhands]

Played his best game of the season yesterday night in Calgary, was impacting most shifts with his skills and physical tools. That performance comes after he got promoted to the 3rd line with Anderson and Monahan so hopefully that was the last time we saw him on the 4th line with fringe NHLers like Evans, Pezetta.

 

[GermanSpitfire]

Hopefully Montreal sends him to the WJC.

He just isn’t ready for the NHL - kid can‘t keep up out there and is a magnet for big hits. This isn’t a luck thing this is Slafkovsky putting himself in positions to be hit.

He needs to stop puck watching out there. He is going to get hurt.

 

[JRichard]

Hopefully Montreal sends him to the WJC.

He just isn’t ready for the NHL - kid can‘t keep up out there and is a magnet for big hits. This isn’t a luck thing this is Slafkovsky putting himself in positions to be hit.

He needs to stop puck watching out there. He is going to get hurt.

Maybe they asked the kid and he didnt want to go.
after the Olympics and the national team, jr hockey might not be a thing to him anymore.
Hitting is allowed in the AHL.

 

[93LEAFS]

Maybe they asked the kid and he didnt want to go.
after the Olympics and the national team, jr hockey might not be a thing to him anymore.
Hitting is allowed in the AHL.

While no kid will ever say this openly to the public, pretty much all will take the weekly NHL paycheck and NHL level travel/facilities/accommodation over going to the WJC again. Now, the loan still gets you paid, but its very rare for someone to go, and then come back right into the NHL line-up. Usually its sent to Junior or the AHL right after which is a paycheck hit, and worst accomadations. Financially and lifestylewise it makes the most sense to be in the show, and most of the people who are in these positions got there because their self-confidence leads them to believe they can overcome bad usage and minutes with an opportunity.

 

[Kshahdoo]

While no kid will ever say this openly to the public, pretty much all will take the weekly NHL paycheck and NHL level travel/facilities/accommodation over going to the WJC again. Now, the loan still gets you paid, but its very rare for someone to go, and then come back right into the NHL line-up. Usually its sent to Junior or the AHL right after which is a paycheck hit, and worst accomadations. Financially and lifestylewise it makes the most sense to be in the show, and most of the people who are in these positions got there because their self-confidence leads them to believe they can overcome bad usage and minutes with an opportunity.

Playing for your country though usually means something to players, especially young ones.

 

[93LEAFS]

Playing for your country though usually means something to players, especially young ones.

Not as much as playing in the NHL and getting NHL-level paychecks and accommodations rather than being at a junior tournament. It's an honor sure, but most would rather be in the NHL if it overlaps with the NHL season. Any thing that is a hindrance to them playing higher-up in the line-up (say you miss an opportunity to move up in the depth chart due to an injury while you are at the tourny) is viewed as a detriment.

 

[Ozolynch]

Not as much as playing in the NHL and getting NHL-level paychecks and accommodations rather than being at a junior tournament. It's an honor sure, but most would rather be in the NHL if it overlaps with the NHL season. Any thing that is a hindrance to them playing higher-up in the line-up (say you miss an opportunity to move up in the depth chart due to an injury while you are at the tourny) is viewed as a detriment.

What about Guenther, Mete, and other countless examples of players playing in the nhl going? They really don´t think that materialistically. Especially Slafkovsky, who i think has to thank a lot to the national team and i would bet that he feels this moral obligation.

 

[93LEAFS]

What about Guenther, Mete, and other countless examples of players playing in the nhl going? They really don´t think that materialistically. Especially Slafkovsky, who i think has to thank a lot to the national team and i would bet that he feels this moral obligation.

They go because their team encourages it, and they typically go back to junior after which means the end of NHL paychecks and shots at the NHL level for that year and a longer wait to UFA when they do come back. The amoutn of NHL players who are getting anything but fringe roster level minutes. Look at how many kids opted out in the summer because they didn't want to risk their training camps. Most players feel a bigger moral obligation to provide for their family going forward by taking advantage of any chance of getting solid NHL minutes. Why do you think no player followed through in going to the Olympics while the NHL was going on? Why is Edvinnsson missing this year to just stay in the AHL for a better shot at the NHL this year? These players will almost always prioritize what their organization want.

 

[Ozolynch]

They go because their team encourages it, and they typically go back to junior after which means the end of NHL paychecks and shots at the NHL level for that year and a longer wait to UFA when they do come back. The amoutn of NHL players who are getting anything but fringe roster level minutes. Look at how many kids opted out in the summer because they didn't want to risk their training camps. Most players feel a bigger moral obligation to provide for their family going forward by taking advantage of any chance of getting solid NHL minutes. Why do you think no player followed through in going to the Olympics while the NHL was going on? Why is Edvinnsson missing this year to just stay in the AHL for a better shot at the NHL this year? These players will almost always prioritize what their organization want.

There is a difference between what players want and what the organization wants of course, but we were talking about players´ willingness to play at the wjc, regardless of the opinion of the organization.

 

[93LEAFS]

There is a difference between what players want and what the organization wants of course, but we were talking about players´ willingness to play at the wjc, regardless of the opinion of the organization.

If getting minutes in the NHL was an option, they will almost all take it. Just look how many opted out to prepare for camp this summer.

 

[TheBeastCoast]

They go because their team encourages it, and they typically go back to junior after which means the end of NHL paychecks and shots at the NHL level for that year and a longer wait to UFA when they do come back. The amoutn of NHL players who are getting anything but fringe roster level minutes. Look at how many kids opted out in the summer because they didn't want to risk their training camps. Most players feel a bigger moral obligation to provide for their family going forward by taking advantage of any chance of getting solid NHL minutes. Why do you think no player followed through in going to the Olympics while the NHL was going on? Why is Edvinnsson missing this year to just stay in the AHL for a better shot at the NHL this year? These players will almost always prioritize what their organization want.

I am pretty sure Guenther is going right back to the NHL after the juniors is over. Dach is another one despite getting injured was an NHL player. It is rare but it does happen.

 

[MichaelFarrell]

Slaf would’ve looked really awesome at the World Juniors. He would outsize everybody and be really noticeable. Guys with that type of size always look great at that tournament. I was really hoping that Slaf would be put on the team especially since it seems like the entire roster didn’t show up for the last tournament.

Slafkovsky-Dvorsky-Mesar would’ve been one of the best lines in the tournament potentially. I’d put that line up against almost any other one in the tournament.

 

[Berri UQAM]

Slafkovsky has 10 points in 27 games, which is not bad for a player who plays mostly on the 4th line. He clearly has some nice tools to complement his ample size.

Nonetheless, here's my hot take: Owen Beck is the steal of the 2022 draft, will prove himself to be the best Canadiens' draft pick of 2022 and will surpass Slafkovsky in career points and other accomplishments.

I have a feeling that Slafkovsky's current role will limit his development. If the Habs continue to play him on the 4th line, he will eventually develop into a checking-line player. I would SEND HIM TO LAVAL!! where he can play a more prominent role.

Also, I sense a DOUBLE STANDARD. Other Habs players can make mistakes and it's all good because they are young and just learning. That's fine but please be consistent! When Slafkovsky makes a mistake he gets benched. From the bench, he gets to watch Dach, Xhekaj, Anderson and Edmundson take a pile of needless penalties that put the team shorthanded. No consequences for them lol.

 

[Et le But]

Unfortunately the new regime just like the last one seems intent on making him learn to grind and be a better person or something.

Once a dinosaur old boys club always one.

 

[Rebels57]

Slafkovsky has 10 points in 27 games, which is not bad for a player who plays mostly on the 4th line. He clearly has some nice tools to complement his ample size.

Nonetheless, here's my hot take: Owen Beck is the steal of the 2022 draft, will prove himself to be the best Canadiens' draft pick of 2022 and will surpass Slafkovsky in career points and other accomplishments.

I have a feeling that Slafkovsky's current role will limit his development. If the Habs continue to play him on the 4th line, he will eventually develop into a checking-line player. I would SEND HIM TO LAVAL!! where he can play a more prominent role.

Also, I sense a DOUBLE STANDARD. Other Habs players can make mistakes and it's all good because they are young and just learning. That's fine but please be consistent! When Slafkovsky makes a mistake he gets benched. From the bench, he gets to watch Dach, Xhekaj, Anderson and Edmundson take a pile of needless penalties that put the team shorthanded. No consequences for them lol.

Blows my mind that teams keep making mistakes like this with high picks.

 

[GermanSpitfire]

Blows my mind that teams keep making mistakes like this with high picks.

It‘s early to say anything with any cetrainty of course - but it is a worrisome trend early on.

 

[JohnLennon]

Hopefully Montreal sends him to the WJC.

He just isn’t ready for the NHL - kid can‘t keep up out there and is a magnet for big hits. This isn’t a luck thing this is Slafkovsky putting himself in positions to be hit.

He needs to stop puck watching out there. He is going to get hurt.

I don't particularly disagree with you, however there is definitely something to be said about changing the scenery negatively affecting a player's development. William Eklund looked fantastic last year in his 9 NHL games, and suddenly struggled mightily once he was demoted overseas. Rarely is there a 1-to-1 correlation between top performers in the WJC and NHL-readiness (case in point: Mason McTavish).

Marty St. Louis said that once he thinks the NHL is too much for Slafkovsky, he would consider the WJC. Once he sees him no longer implementing the little things, once he struggles with the pace, etc. However, until now, there hasn't been much proof of that except for his issue of keeping his head up, which everyone will admit is certainly a concern, but may be an ongoing development that could be undone by going to play inferior hockey. At that point, it's up to the NHL staff to evaluate if the WJC will help/hurt his development. Some would argue that the increased confidence is not worth the undoing of some crucial teaching moments in the highest-caliber hockey of the NHL.

 

[GermanSpitfire]

I don't particularly disagree with you, however there is definitely something to be said about changing the scenery negatively affecting a player's development. William Eklund looked fantastic last year in his 9 NHL games, and suddenly struggled mightily once he was demoted overseas. Rarely is there a 1-to-1 correlation between top performers in the WJC and NHL-readiness (case in point: Mason McTavish).

Marty St. Louis said that once he thinks the NHL is too much for Slafkovsky, he would consider the WJC. Once he sees him no longer implementing the little things, once he struggles with the pace, etc. However, until now, there hasn't been much proof of that except for his issue of keeping his head up, which everyone will admit is certainly a concern, but may be an ongoing development that could be undone by going to play inferior hockey. At that point, it's up to the NHL staff to evaluate if the WJC will help/hurt his development. Some would argue that the increased confidence is not worth the undoing of some crucial teaching moments in the highest-caliber hockey of the NHL.

I think that’s fair and agree, just because Kotkaniemi starting in the NHL at 18 didn’t work out - doesn’t automatically make it a certainty Slafkovsky won’t work out either.

I do have trust in St. Louis as an outside observer, he hasn’t given any indication to bot trust him to this point.

 

[Jukurit]

I think TPS actually did a better job with Slaf's development last season than Habs are doing now. When he wasn't scoring early season in Liiga, they sent him down to play in junior league where he scored 18 points in 11 games. I'm sure that improved his confidence.

 

[Frank Drebin]

Maybe I'm off base but I don't think that confidence/production/linemates are the issue here .

He's not able to adjust to the speed of the NHL game and he's getting rocked nearly every game because he keeps putting himself in vulnerable positions.

If you saw this happening to a 15 year old in a men's league, the decision would be easy. But slaf will be playing against men no matter what I believe.

 

[Marc the Habs Fan]

He should have never made the team based on his training camp performance.

Based on how he was being used and his play, he should have not been kept after 9 games although burning his ELC did not really infuriate me as our cap situation by the time we get to 2025 is quite clean.

He then had a nice 5 points in 7 games stretch to start December, which was good.

And then came a stupid benching in the 3rd period against the Ducks for reasons no one understood last Thursday. Since then, his game has fallen off a cliff. And the coach has essentially benched him twice more in 3rd periods since then. A slew of awful, overpaid veterans get all kinds of rope though.

We seem to be at a crossroads. Will they do the right thing for the player's development or continue to go down the path too many top prospects rushed into the league have gone down and stubbornly keep him in the NHL?

Unless something dramatic changes on the 23rd in Dallas, he should be sent to the AHL as soon as the roster freeze ends on December 28th.

 

[Habsrule]

I wish that the Habs would send him to the World Juniors. He is an 18 year old kid who is playing in a new country, on a different sized ice surface and playing in a city that speaks two different languages and neither are his native tongue. I’m sure he may feel a little homesick and being around kids his age and speaking his first language would be a great boost for him. Let him go and have some fun. The Habs aren’t going to make the playoffs so him missing a few weeks will not make or break their season standings wise.

One thing that I really wish the Habs did would have been to bring in a Slovakian depth player. Just give him one player on the team who can help him in his own language. Armia (Finland) and Dadonov (Russia) are the only Europeans on the team.

 

[Playmaker09]

He should have never made the team based on his training camp performance.

Based on how he we being used and his play, he should have not been kept after 9 games although burning his ELC did not really infuriate me as our cap situation by the time we get to 2025 is quite clean.

He then had a nice 5 points in 7 games stretch to start December, which was good.

And then came a stupid benching in the 3rd period against the Ducks for reasons no one understood last Thursday. Since then, his game has fallen off a cliff. And the coach has essentially benched him twice more in 3rd periods since then. A slew of awful, overpaid veterans get all kinds of rope though.

We seem to be at a crossroads. Will they do the right thing for the player's development or continue to go down the path too many top prospects rushed into the league have gone down and stubbornly keep him in the NHL?

Unless something dramatic changes on the 23rd in Dallas, he should be sent to the AHL as soon as the roster freeze ends on December 28th.

That's Carey's last year before his 10.5 comes off the books. It could end up being significant.

Regardless, it was always shortsighted to have him in the NHL at 18. He put up 10 points last year, there was no rush and being able to play in the AHL is a privilege that has served a number of European 18/19 year olds well as they adjust to NA.

And (not directed at you) before someone tries to tell me Laval is shit, the coaching is bad, etc. Those were all elements in our complete control. This is not a Shane Wright in Kingston situation.

We had the ability to control every single aspect of his time there. Who he plays with, what situations he plays in, who coaches him, who the offseason signings were. There was nothing stopping us from tailoring the entire team to best suit Slaf's development.

 

[Goon42]

jeff gorton pls stop trying to kakko slafkovsky