#58: Juraj Slavkovský: Raw Knuckles Podcast

Juraj Slafkovsky, the #1 overall pick of the 2022 NHL Draft, joins Chris and Tim to discuss his journey to the NHL, rookie season, and much more! Make sure to like, subscribe, and leave a comment on your favorite part of the interview!
Timestamps:
0:00 - Intro
0:47 - Going First Overall
6:40 - Getting into Hockey
16:42 - NHL Combine/Montreal
21:00 - Getting Drafted
25:34 - Taking Big Hits
31:54 - Learning From Injuries
35:08 - First NHL Goal
40:18 - Self Expectations for Year 2
44:01 - Chris' Experience with Czech and Slovak Players
48:15 - Juraj's Favorite Teammates
54:46 - Bringing a Stanley Cup back to Montreal
56:54 - Either Or
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[@iamonfire86]

Funny story: The night of the draft, he and his family had dinner at Medusa. We couldn't believe how HUGE this kid was. I remember us saying how we wanted the Habs to draft him. We told him, if Montreal drafts him 1st overall, he had to come back the next night to celebrate. And what do you know. Montreal ended drafting him and he and his whole family came back to Medusa the next night!

[@auri5459]

This boy has more of a personality in an interview than 99% of players in NHL all time. Hopefully his development will be successful and he becomes an NHL superstar.

[@HockeyJunkie]

What a great interview. Good job guys, Slafkovsky seems like a really happy kid, always smiling. Gotta love it.... I can't wait to see him develop into a beast for the Habs.

[@briandenes2033]

Junkie!! 🙌🙌

[@emmanuelhamel-carey8681]

Love you hockey junkie 💪❤️

[@TheKaves2]

Yes great interview and a great kid too it looks like. Hopefully a great NHL player one day. Will see.

[@tipopo7272]

Love you junkie

[@deanromanado5850]

That's it, we have to let this kid develop. It might take some time, but once he fills in, this kid will be a beast

[@shanegagnon3423]

Give that kid time and he will be a powerhouse for the habs. Hes big, strong mentally and physically. Wish him the best, keep Cole protected Juraj but most of all, protect yourself.

[@user-hc3vj4io6y]

He's the type of player you need to win in the playoffs

[@rickbengle5240]

@@user-hc3vj4io6y i wish i saw what you are seeing. I want him to be successful but i saw NONE of what you see. I see a player who got hit to oblivion once every 6 games ... . Lindros was big to but did not last.

[@sb0182]

@@rickbengle5240 Eric Lindros is literally a Hall of Famer 😂🤣 And you’re using HIM as a Negative comparison for Slafs?😅🤣

[@rickbengle5240]

@@sb0182 all good first off I am not being negative The facts are that Slaf statistically had the worst performance of any number 1 overall over the last 26 years I want him successful but I believe Montreal Management caved into politics The kid needed seasoning and if showed No pick in the first round last year played NHL COOLEY JURICEC NEMEC OR WRIGHT WILL HE BE A GOOD Nhler and serviceable nhl or a great Nhler It will be up to him But it is pretty obvious from performance and results and premature injury that Slaf was not ready for NHL Saying otherwise ignores reality Saying he is young means that we view the NHL is a development league it isnt It is filled with big strong fast fully developed men who will take your head off… ask timo mier from last night I would have like to see him play a 62 game season in the OHL where he could learn the small ice Not get thrown to the wolves

[@hiimfelx9745]

​@@rickbengle5240 Slaf in ohl !? For what😂 That guy is strong mentally even a bad first season didnt affect this guy im pretty sure...His first season was to adapt and next season we will see a huge step forwar at least i hope and if not we can send him to Laval...and he will comeback better!Slaf is the perfect fit for mtl! He have so much potential to be a good player in playoff...at his size he need more time than smaller player!

[@classicgamer5622]

Love Slavkovsky great attitude played amazingly for an 18-year-old. He's going to be great.

[@Samlevine111]

He’s going to be the biggest bust

[@kevmccart6902]

@@Samlevine111 judging a kid that just graduated from high school give me a break give me 10 players since 2013 that was successful at 18!

[@Samlevine111]

@@kevmccart6902 im never wrong . I’m so sure of what I’m saying let’s go to the notary and put 10k on a bet that he will be a bust in five years . Ok ?

[@kevmccart6902]

@@Samlevine111 you have more knowledge than Kent Hughes what team are you working with this year?

[@Samlevine111]

@@kevmccart6902 i dont work anymore . I’m a retired millionaire

[@markhodge7]

This "kid" is really down to earth when answering your questions. Honest quips. He's pretty sharp, and not intimidated. I see an "A" on his jersey pretty soon, 3-4 years. I really see a long career, hopefully, always a Hab. I see a young "Big M". here. Habs fans. Give him time.

[@therawknucklespodcast]

Thanks for listening

[@juliencormier8760]

Slav a sincere, nice wholesome kid! 👍 I wish him all the best in his HABS career. We are lucky to have him. He will be a force to be reckoned with once he matures into the NHL.

[@laurent29093]

no doubt he's a freak of nature haha

[@SchaeffDaddy95]

I love this kid. I bet Marty loves coaching him... he seems like a sponge, takes advice, learns, adjusts... just fantastic. I can't wait for him to settle in to NHL and tear up the league.

[@uriemarner1443]

everyone close to the game around Montreal loves this kid... such a bright future this kid has

[@Samlevine111]

He has a bright future in the echl yeah

[@markhodge7]

If you haven't been to Eastern Europe, you won't understand how easy that question was, and I grew up in Montreal 😉

[@padraigadhastair4783]

Love Juraj, we need more young men just like him in the NHL. Canadiens lucked out, thanks Chris, thanks Tim. Keep up the stellar work.

[@therawknucklespodcast]

Thanks for listening

[@qpdb89]

Drž sa, všetko máš pred sebou. Budem ťa sledovať ;)

[@cameronmccormick89]

Hope Juraj stays a Hab for many many years to come.

[@ErinGautreau]

Great interview we love SLAF!!!! Bright future ahead for our #1!!!! 🤩💯🙌👏👌🔥💙🤍❤️🏒🥅

[@TheBelle46]

What a fun interview guys …what a great kid all smiles hope he never loses that happy disposition wishing him nothing but the best

[@therawknucklespodcast]

Thanks for the support

[@andrevezina3582]

Mr Nilan you are an animal I saw you play, met you at the Royal Montreal Golf Club During the Pandemic, I work there, I gave you a few stick, you were trying to quit, you were a real gentlemen.

[@fosterch11]

Love this guy’s personality. These players all have amazing journeys

[@graemetooley4934]

Love how you're able to get these guys to sit down and chat for over an hour Knuckles! Most podcasts can get guys for maybe 20-30 minutes. You're bringing some great content boys, keep it up!

[@therawknucklespodcast]

Thanks so much

[@emileplante]

What a beauty

[@peppinostucazz5334]

What a happy kid, I wish he turns out to be as good or better as all the fans are hoping he will be. Great interview boys.

[@rickbengle5240]

I would be happy to... if I had my first year ELC burnt and got to play in NHL when i was not ready. I will make bigger money sooner . I would be ecstatic

[@centerhice7948]

I love this kid ,he just has to get uez to our small rinks ,timing . Great interview guys . One ofthe more likeable kids ,with a good head on his shoulders shoulders

[@maxrcrypto]

Come playoff time fans will be especially happy to have Juraj on the team

[@darkrituals9155]

Toooo shooort we want more I love this young player so much !! Thanks knuckles for that cool interview

[@Destructor2001]

kid will be a solid player for us

[@Off_Grid_Gaming]

Love this Kid! Great job Knuckles! ❤

[@samimazloum]

Sweet interview and great job by Knuckles putting Slavkovsky at ease and guiding him along the way. Enjoyed watching.

[@therawknucklespodcast]

Thanks so much

[@markhodge7]

I love your channel Knuckles. Players recognize the "lockeroom" conversations in your interviews. It's just such a familiar feel, talking Hockey with other players. Makes me feel at home.

[@richardblais7445]

great interview, what a nice well raised kid.... he will be great for sure.he will be a monster soon with skills. good job kent

[@Drumdude74]

Great interview guys! I wish you all the best, Juraj!

[@andrewwills8516]

You'll be awesome man no worries 😎 GO HABS GO 💕

[@pitrsoundslikepeter7467]

This was an incredible interview! Slaf is such a down to earth person, appears to have a great character! The thing that I enjoy most watching these interviews is your reaction Knuckes!! You appear to be like a proud father to these young guys! I love how you and Tim talk to your interviewees. You guys are very passionate and personable people and I feel that is one of the best qualities of your show! Thank you sooooo much for this! Apologies for not posting lately but I’ve been retraining for a new career after suffering some career ending injuries…..

[@mikebishop4430]

Thanks guys ! Great show and ya gotta love this kid ! Really looking forward to see him grow and learn with our Habs !

[@markolarabie6685]

Knuckes is an underrated interviewer. Great knack for making his guests comfortable and open up. Great interview- effin love this kid!

[@therawknucklespodcast]

Thanks so much Marlo appreciate it thanks for listening

[@rickbengle5240]

again... nice feel good interview that steered away from anything difficult of tough. Serving up softballs is not a great interview. But we want the kid to come back. Common the NHL is a performace league not a development league. I like slaf as a person but the habs mismanagement os a number 1 overall is epic... now lets hope year 2 we see the benefits of a misguided year 1. This is NOT negative... or pessimistic it is a fact.

[@TheBennnyb]

@@rickbengle5240 NHL ain’t a development league is an overrated statement. A first overall pick almost never develops in the Ahl. Mtl knew they weren’t making the playoffs and they had so many rookies. So of course they developed all year to help the performance in the futur. That’s how you tank legally and rebuild

[@rickbengle5240]

@@TheBennnyb No problem with tanking but Slaf was blown up once ever 6 games did not survive NHL SRASON. SHOULD have been inOhl

[@TheBennnyb]

@@rickbengle5240 . Who are we to say where he should have played but in Ohl with kids, Really? Now at least he knows he made a mistake and needs to be aware for the hits. Sometimes you need to learn the hard way. This is the way

[@PushTheStart]

Knucks, this was so much fun to watch! So excited for this kid. I knew about Finland, but had no idea he went to RB Salzburg's academy at FOURTEEN! We've got a great core to build around. Fingers crossed we get a good pick in this year's draft and keep the team's development going!

[@therawknucklespodcast]

Awesome thanks so much for the support

[@jasonpatrick5660]

Great interview. It showed up in my feed and I don't know how. Very happy to have found this channel, I've saved a half a dozen interviews to watch already.

[@samabouzeid9214]

Awesome job guys!! Easy to forget he's still a kid..once he gets to 23-24 yo watch out NHL!!

[@ianpatterson1553]

Habs fans better not sleep on this kid, remember he just graduated high school lol he's got a bright future in this league. Awesome interview!

[@ddodad7140]

The quality of guests this pod cast puts out is underrated. Continue the great content. We never get prolonged uncut conversations elsewhere (especially Montreal) except with Raw Knuckles. Keep it up.

[@davery07]

Great show, awesome kid. Hope he has a great career.

[@Samlevine111]

He won’t

[@PrettyLolBoy007]

Great interview, great kid, great interviewer, great vibe

[@moonobservergilles5730]

NIce interview Chris and Tim and your guest Juraj. lets wish him a good summer before the next season.

[@futurezsight]

Just awesome!!

[@clauderichard3245]

Thanks for showing his 1st goal, awesome 🏆

[@mikecabana3056]

Nice one . Love it

[@brandonloewen5155]

Unbelievable episode, great job guys 👊

[@jonbuckley5049]

Great interview Knucks and Tim👍👍👍

[@andrewwills8516]

Slow and steady as we go , I'd love to see you check more this year because your SLAVZILLA Man

[@DrewDekes]

Hit it out of the park boys, really, really fun interview getting to know Juraj better. Thanks gents! Go Habs Go

[@rickbengle5240]

As for the interview... the major question because people are polite... were you really ready to compete at the NHL . Do ypou think you would have been more ready with extra work either in Europe or in Junior... I am at the 18:45 mark and mostly get acquainted softball questions so far. I will edit this if i hear some spicier tougher questions Listened to the rest of the interview. Fun Life Style softy fun light interview. Wish the kid the best and I do think his playing in NHL is part a a grander Kent Huge strategy. Good Luck Slaf next year. Good Kid

[@francolia7743]

Your guests and interviews have been top notch Mr Nilan. Your perspective and analysis has given Hockey fans an insight into the fortitude and will it takes to battle on and off the ice. You got a Raw deal on the radio end but we fans won out with RAW KNUCKLES Podcast. Keep up the great work. GO HABS GO

[@xanderbaldwyn3980]

Thank you so much for this amazing interview!

[@therawknucklespodcast]

Thanks for listening!

[@rcormier5096]

Great show as always. Your the best Knuckles ❤

[@therawknucklespodcast]

Really appreciate it

[@mroy88]

great kid. They made the right choice

[@tomleslie6668]

4.5kg is 9.9 pounds! "Nothing too crazy," my ass! I wonder if Juraj's Mom would say the same. Love this kid. Love you Knucks, Timmy. Carry on lads.

[@realbeetlejuice]

JURAJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJ

[@tehatokenhthamccomber6712]

Chris I missed u at the tourney in kahnawake when u came watch. U came to my high school in kahnawake to talk about bullying when I was in grade 10. Your speech was great and ur strict dad reminded me of mine. I listen to ur pod all the time when I’m welding at work.

[@MrRidingman]

Raw Knuckles, much truth to this nickname. 45 Years ago!, when I was 13, I was escorted into the garage by my cousin who worked security at the Forum where all the players came out to go to their car after they showered. All the players walked passed me and my brother, Guy Lafleur shook our hand and walked away, two players actually stopped to shake our hands and talk to us, Chris Nilan, and Larry Robinson. I remember like yesterday your boyish smile that you still have to this day when you smile, and you smiled as you noticed that as I shook your hand I stared at the skin peeled off all of your knuckles, they were raw! It is a great memory I hold dear that you actually took the time to stop and talk to a young lad when you really didn't have to. Larry asked us where we were from, we told him, it was a very small town not too far from where he was raised, he said, Small town! Big People!

[@garylauzon4055]

Hey neighbor . Whats my husky doing on your show ? Good Show . Congrats . C yaz in the woods ...

[@danielmaloney766]

Great job as always guys!

[@essenegnostic8711]

Needs to keep his head up.

[@mangotreat]

shoutout to slaf for picking brunette girls, my king not falling into the default settings of hockey players and their love for blondes

[@brentmoyer6618]

Combine the character with the size and skill and he really was a good pick. He'll be a top 6 guy in the NHL; maybe not a superstar but a solid top line winger and a classic wrecking ball forward. BPA in the 2022 draft.

[@fredericklachance5033]

Gotta love Mr.Nilan.

[@alphamale4182]

Chris is amazing wish seing him and arber play on the same team at the same time

[@francoistremblay2692]

Chris Nilan you're the GOAT !!

[@suicypher]

Great interview as usual. Thank you. Tim: Please watch out for the camera shaking on your webcam.

[@therawknucklespodcast]

Thanks I’ll pass it along

[@rickolivieri]

Knuckles, excellent interview. Juraj seems like a really good kid. Also, may i add a p.s? Is there anything we could do with Tim's camera? Sometimes it looks like he's in a full fledge earthquake. Besides that...keep up the with the great podcasts!

[@guymercier627]

Knuckles I strongly suggest you teach Juray how to fight or survive when you are in a fight... you are God in this matter... Serge Savard used to call you "Le chirurgien" that can be translated as The Surgeon... for the precision of your punches and defence abilities... Learn from the master : ---)

[@andrewwills8516]

Yup me too Chris I'm very impressed with the whole process GO HABS GO 💕 & BOSTON GONNA WIN AND IT'S VERY THE TORONTO MAPLE CREEPS MAY NEVER GET OUT OF THE FIRST ROUND 🤓

[@greencontroller9692]

Tim, JOKERIT is not in the KHL anymore. Other than that, great interview overall. Greetings from Slovakia.

[@cliffroberts1774]

He's a awesome player

[@habs24ri]

His first goal his eyes looked like the Rocket!

[@janforgac2329]

Slovenskooooo ❤️💪🇸🇰

[@HunterMagunter]

Hes the next rantanen

[@rogerbutchbouchard8019]

Great interview? Now let's see Skav light the lamp may times next season!

[@samueldanis606]

👌👌

[@mattkelly9516]

We need slav to be a star Chris nilan true hab he was a warrior he gave it everything he had

[@brendanbishop4254]

👊🏻

[@jpecci1262]

Jeez -- this was a great interview. Slavk liked Czech beer and I bet he really wanted to prefer Czech girls. Didn't want to get in trouble tho.

[@subbydagwoods]

Get a F’n mount for your camera Tim! Excellent interview seizures aside.

[@Caylemfarquhar1]

W😊

[@chriauc2976]

Love Slav, needs to protect himself got hit hard first year dont want to lose his Brain

[@andrewwills8516]

I know what you're trying to say Chris, did he feel a oppositional more than average welcome to the big show... feeling 😝😆

[@andrewwills8516]

Love you Slav,I want you to be a little more heads up,and a good and easy to do that is to go to the ice as usual,and practice stick handling with your eye's closed 🤔if you can😎?

[@jamesborg333maya]

Big head and solid neck...........Once he finishes growing ........Imagine trying to knock him down.....It would be like trying to hit Frankenstien on skates. No offense but he looks like a tank.

[@lickrish3930]

You know you're going to be a Winnipeg jet Juraj Slafkovsky

[@nancetardiff339]

So likeable that kid

[@Mikevenczel]

Love Slav. I think the size can only help. Habs got destroyed by Phili in 2010 because they were small and wear down. Try getting those guys at the trade deadline😝 Not a great chance you can get one. He's got some skill. The jury is out until age 22.

[@clauderichard3245]

Wife loves your accent Knucks🏆

[@therawknucklespodcast]

Haha so does mine!

[@clauderichard3245]

@@therawknucklespodcast We visited Massachusetts quite often growing up in New Brunswick 👍

[@rogerdaigle7575]

Knuckles was a wolverine

[@FitnessGeekz]

he should have started in laval

[@MTLGSE]

Never saw as many models as in Slovakia. Every second girl there was a 10.

[@sovka8394]

As a Slovak I can confirm. Sometimes I have feeling that we don’t deserve them😂. Who hasn’t been to Slovakia will not understand:)

[@andrewwills8516]

He doesn't look like a kid 🤓 he looks bigger again 😝😆🤓

[@sofiajane8798]

well... *Slafkovský

[@josephnimmons8566]

anyone else notice knuckles looks kinda like gordon ramsey

[@LesTortuesApplaties]

@56:25 Body language says no

[@dylanallard5920]

Kent you know what to do if Chicago wins the lottery throw slaf in for that first pick

[@SteveWhite-yi6ky]

If he doesnt keep his head up itllbe a short career

[@obrik666]

well, boston-edmonton finals will not happen, right. oilers will not make the finals either

[@rickbengle5240]

Ok… I want this kid to be successful. I hope he turns out to be a great impact player but let’s look at reality here. 1) by the record and I went back and looked at the record of every rookie. Slaf has the record of the worst rookie performance in 26 years . Yeas worse then every pick #1 overall since Joe Thornton…. Now being positive Thornton had a solid career … but mostly not for the team that drafted him. 2) now I analyzed this… Slaf got blown up badly every 6.67 games on average. By being blown up I mean taking hits that could cause a serious injury. 1 time every 6.67 games… like clock work he took a bad bad hit. 3) is it any wonder that he did not get past 39 games getting pummelled. I want the kid to be successful but he was NOT READY FOR THE PROS…. He needed to be in Junior or back in Europe…. These are the bare straight facts…. I will hear give him time he is only 18…. To this I say YES HE IS. BUT THE FACTS ARE THAT IN THE TOP 5 picks Slaf was the only one to play in the NHL… NEMEC, JURICEC, COOLEY WRIGHT all played elsewhere. I don’t want to be negative but the above are the facts…. When he played vs men in the nhl he got busted up badly So let’s not alter what really happened…. The Habs mishandling of Slaf was epic.