Player Discussion The Slaf Thread - Parabolic Growth Edition

[sampollock]

What happened bros

View attachment 946759

very cool picture
my cousin had one like this big CAT guy

 

[CapSpace]

Slaf is the furthest thing from an aggressive player, imo of course. I actually believe he's one of the softest 240lbs players I've ever watched and that's no fault of his, that's just how he's wired. If you take a look at guys like the Tkachuk's, they were bred to be physical assholes on the ice. Slaf will never be that type of player. If the team gets more physical, which is a must, I'm sure he will ramp up his level of physicality somewhat.

Going forward he can definitely learn to use his body better for shielding the puck, creating space, etc...but he'll never consistently instigate contact or violence.

He's always been this type of player

You cleary don't remember Dagenais.

 

[Tyson]

Slaf is 20, very talented, he will figure it out. Sometimes we forget how young these kids are.
I need to adhere to this mindset with Dach.

 

[Heffyhoof]

 

[LaP]

I think people put too much weight in Slaf shoulders for no reason. He's playing in a team where there's Suzuki, Caufield, Laine, Hutson and not much else. Not sure i'd include Matheson the way he plays defensively. Slaf is just 20 asking him to lead this team to wins against vastly experienced teams like Vegas or Boston is foolish imo. He's doing well against younger teams lacking experience like himself. We always knew he was not going to be the next McJesus but his toolkit is rare to find and once he will put some adult muscles on his frame he could become a special player.

Slaf is 20, very talented, he will figure it out. Sometimes we forget how young these kids are.
I need to adhere to this mindset with Dach.

Dach is older though. He'll soon be 24 so he has less time to figure it out. Still possible but less likely. His credentials are not as good too. SLaf already got a 50 points season under his belt and his pacing for around 40 (edit pacing for 49.78 in 82) and did very well internationally. Dach has yet to have a 40 points season. I could see Dach become the Carolina's version of Jordan Staal with time but more would surprise me.