Player Discussion The Slaf Thread - Parabolic Growth Edition

[Heffyhoof]

At nearly the end of the season, Slaf sits happily above Logan Cooley in goals and assists along with useless things that centers never do, like hitting or shot blocking.

I'm going to need someone to do the math for me because I can be slow at times. How does it add up that Cooley, who was 'clearly' more talented, and was developed properly for a year by not being rushed while Slaf was, can still suck more than Slaf?

 

[SlafySZN]

 

[Rapala]

I’ve still need to move is feet a little more and improve is release. But he is a beast so glad we didn’t give in to the pressure of drafting someone else

He got caught twice from behind in prime areas and another time in the neutral zone.
Typical stopped moving his feet to decide on which play to make in the Ozone.
Then not moving fast enough to continue carrying the puck in the neutral zone.
Not too worried though because the Suzuki goal shows it isn't a constant and the Bruins apply back pressure better than most.

 

[Kennerback]

At nearly the end of the season, Slaf sits happily above Logan Cooley in goals and assists along with useless things that centers never do, like hitting or shot blocking.

I'm going to need someone to do the math for me because I can be slow at times. How does it add up that Cooley, who was 'clearly' more talented, and was developed properly for a year by not being rushed while Slaf was, can still suck more than Slaf?

Cooley’s not more talented and he’s not as good. So it doesn’t matter how properly developed he is.

 

[waitin425]

Slaf's pass last night....I mean come on!

One thing that is so underrated in this league is confidence. Confidence can take a player to incredible heights. Mix it with skill and watch out.

Slaf has both. Next year will be considered his breakout to the rest of the NHL fanbase, even though us Habs fans are seeing it this year. PPG is not out of the question at the age of 20.

 

[Hope Of Glory]

35 points was what I wanted from him in the off-season.

Then he started the year with an abysmal 2 points in 15 games.

Yet here we are, with 16 games left he already reached the 35 points mark. He's pulling his weight and and making high level plays, showing off great tools and contributing to the best PP I've seen in years in Montreal.

He really progressed more quickly than I anticipated, it's been great to see. I don't remember the last prospect that showed that much progression in like half a season. Lets hope it keeps trending this way but I'm not worried, kid seems like a hard worker.

 

[Naslundforever]

I think Slaf’s talent is the best overall on the team.

I can’t decide how you react to my opinion. Why can’t i put Slaf’s name in my new username?

Triggered a guy with your name, you are all powerful. Like in Dune.

 

[The Gr8 Dane]

Lol wtf that pass

 

[WeThreeKings]

He's a beast.. we are starting to see the skeleton of what this team can become.

Marvelous work by Hugo in a short time period.

 

[Junohockeyfan]

His improvement in all areas of his game is massive.

To start the season we were concerned about his lack of on-ice awareness as he was getting leveled at an alarming rate. He looked slow and weak on his skates. He didn't ever shoot. He was indecisive.

Fast forward to today. He's strong on his skates. He has much better awareness and doesn't take those nasty hits. He's dishing out hits now. He anticipates at and thinks the game faster than his teammates. He's shooting. He has vision.

When his physical traits catch up (and they will in a couple years), he will be an absolute beast. Once he gains endurance and strength, everything will improve (balance, skating, corner battles, hitting etc.).

He's 19. Imagine him in 3 more years.

 

[Andy]

I think we've seen enough passing plays to know that his decision making is one-step ahead of the flow of the game.

It's not the first time we see passes like the one he made to Suzuki. That was so Kucherov-esque.

 

[Redux91]

This is the exact video I thought of after his pass last night lol

 

[SlafySZN]

Lol wtf that pass

He can be a floorball player when he retire

 

[Koivu11]

 

[Rapala]

Seeing that goal last night a number of times brought home something special I hadn't thought of.
Slaf will be the type of player who you just need to put the puck in the vicinity of for him to create.

I won't be crying when he displaces the hypocritical Tremblay.

 

[SlafySZN]

Seeing that goal last night a number of times brought home something special I hadn't thought of.
Slaf will be the type of player who you just need to put the puck in his vicinity for him to create.


I won't be crying when he displaces the hypocritical Tremblay.

He’d need at least 5 points in his next 6 games.

 

[le_sean]

Even if Slaf becomes a star he won’t get as much visibility around the NHL over the mustache man in toronto. A shame because Slaf has maybe the best personality in the league.

I get it from an existing hockey fan standpoint, Matthews is a legendary goal scorer already.

But from a marketing standpoint and increasing your fanbase, clearly you need to market the sexy 6’3 Slovakian vs the balding pedophile looking guy.

 

[Rapala]

He’d need at least 5 points in his next 6 games.

Good make it happen.

 

[Rapala]

35 points was what I wanted from him in the off-season.

Then he started the year with an abysmal 2 points in 15 games.

Yet here we are, with 16 games left he already reached the 35 points mark. He's pulling his weight and and making high level plays, showing off great tools and contributing to the best PP I've seen in years in Montreal.

He really progressed more quickly than I anticipated, it's been great to see. I don't remember the last prospect that showed that much progression in like half a season. Lets hope it keeps trending this way but I'm not worried, kid seems like a hard worker.

For a sophmore and a teenager for sure.
KIrby Dach had similar progression when playing with Suzuki albeit him being the much older player.
I'm glad we have a young Captain who sets an example about the importance of playing the right way.
Slaf makes mistakes but he's always in or around the play at both ends of the rink.
There is a team not too far from us who probably wish they had the same.

 

[Andrei79]

Aside from that incredible pass, look how huge he is. Guy looks like he's a different species.

 

[Skip Bayless]

Slaf is a Radulov in the making. I hope he starts burning defenders and driving the puck to the net in the next few seasons.

 

[KevSkillz4]

Slaf is a Radulov in the making. I hope he starts burning defenders and driving the puck to the net in the next few seasons.

Oh! I like that comparison. I agree on that because of intensity, hard work of both. I think Slaf have unique skill in offense like Radu aswell.

Radulov have been one my favorite players in Habs jersey, with Kovalev aswell.

I predict 25 goals+ and 55 points+ for Slaf next year, he is ready to put that type of production. In 2-3 years, I'm confident that he will reach PPG's season. His passing ability is amazing.

 

[dackelljuneaubulis02]

Slaf is a Radulov in the making. I hope he starts burning defenders and driving the puck to the net in the next few seasons.

Radulov with a Lindros frame and more speed (likely) sounds like a borderline generational player

 

[Wats]

Slaf is a Radulov in the making. I hope he starts burning defenders and driving the puck to the net in the next few seasons.

I see bit of that comparison. Both are pretty relentless.

 

[Schooner Guy]

Next year will be considered his breakout to the rest of the NHL fanbase, even though us Habs fans are seeing it this year. PPG is not out of the question at the age of 20.

But, but, but....what about his Liiga stats at age 17?