Would You Take Slafkovský Over Bedard in the Same Draft Year?

[stastny12]

With the way both players are developing, is it possible that some fans or even organizations might prefer Juraj Slafkovský over Connor Bedard if they were in the same draft class?

Bedard, despite his undeniable talent, hasn't quite met the sky-high expectations placed on him before the 2023 draft. Even former NHL coach Bruce Boudreau recently said that teams don’t necessarily "fear" him on the ice. Meanwhile, Slafkovský, after a slower start to his career, is now making a significant impact in Montreal. His play in the second half of this season has been dominant, and his physical presence, combined with his growing confidence, has made him a key player for the Canadiens.

Considering that the 2022 draft was viewed as one of the weaker ones and the 2023 draft as one of the strongest, does Slafkovský’s development change the perception of his value compared to Bedard? Would fans or organizations now prefer the power forward from 2022 over the generational talent from 2023? Let’s discuss.

 

[dirtydanglez]

no lol

 

[GeeoffBrown]

I think that in order to take Slafkovsky over Bedard, you really have to let the fact that Bedard has not been a Crosby hurt his value. Comparing these two players just on their merits, Bedard definitely comes out ahead, unless you are very influenced by the "disappointment" factor.

 

[The90]

lol. No

 

[Sens With Benefits]

Haha no

 

[SNES]

Nooooooo! (Bugs bunny gif)

 

[Vasilevskiy]

No, god no

 

[waitin425]

After a slow start to the season, Juraj Slafkovsky has really cranked it up since the 4 nations tournament.

Kid is in his third year and like the back half of last year is beasting once again.

Since the 4 Nations break.

10 games
6 goals
11 points
26 shots
40 hits

He is an absolute menace on the ice these past 10 games.

As a former #1 overall pick - there have been many threads that proclaim him a bust or "the worst" first overall.

Are people starting to see now what the Habs management saw when they drafted him?

 

[SJinNewJersey]

Of course not.

 

[HabsQC]

Hopefully he starts playing like this in October next year.

 

[SNES]

10 game sample? I’m convinced!

 

[SENStastic]

Corniest nickname I've ever seen. For his sake, I hope it doesn't stick.

 

[Summer Rose]

If you judge them based on their merits, how they've performed so far this season, no.

If you judge them based on how you think their careers might pan out, I can see a small argument for Slafkovsky over Bedard, but still probably not.

When you consider that Bedard is a center (though I can see an argument for him needing to be shifted over to wing) and Slafkovsky is a wing, no.

Add all those factors up, then no.

 

[LeProspector]

Did you know, every game Slafkovsky has scored in his career he’s scoring over a Point Per Game?!!

 

[Patty Ice]

Give me Bedard every day of the week and twice on Sunday.

 

[Stealth JD]

Eleven WHOLE points?
Whoa

 

[NyQuil]

He was always going to be a bit of a project.

 

[NyQuil]

I like Slaf but no.

 

[waitin425]

Corniest nickname I've ever seen. For his sake, I hope it doesn't stick.

I haven't heard any Habs fans call him that. Just me. It won't stick. lol

 

[Stealth JD]

Jesus Christ

 

[Moose Head]

I think he was playing with some ailments and the time off during 4 nations did him some good. He’s looking more like the player he was the 2nd half of last season.

 

[Andy]

Please no jinx thread

 

[Plastic Joseph]

It's not even close.

Slaf could become a legit 1st line power forward but bedard still has major hardware level upside

 

[BKarchitect]

This is where you could’ve gone to one of the pre-existing Slaf threads on the main forum, bumped it, and said….

“hey - I know he was getting crushed, Habs fans included, for his poor performances this year but since the break, Slaf has really kicked it up and is starting to look like the guy we all wanted - very promising!”

That would have been absolutely worthy of a bump and discussion, especially for the flak he’s taken - many might not be aware of how much better he’s been playing.

Instead we go right to “Slaf or Bedard!?!?”

 

[Summer Rose]

Jesus Christ

I don’t think I’d draft Jesus Christ over either Slafkovsky or Bedard.