A Former Scout's Take - Juraj Slafkovsky

No prospect for the 2022 NHL draft has been talked about more in last few months than Juraj Slafkovsky. Whether it was his dominance at the Olympics, worlds or just in Liiga, he has the size, speed and scoring ability to entice any hockey fan. But what do I think of him? Watch and find out in this latest video of A Former Scout's Take!
Patreon: / emeraldcityhockey
Merch: teespring.com/stores/emerald-...
Website: emeraldcityhockey.com/

[@krakenmeup7342]

Thank you for stating the positives AND negatives of each player in your reports. Many other scouting reports are just fan boy videos. Yours give a true look at the overall player.

[@emeraldcityhockey5810]

That's the job of a scout! Gotta give the good and the bad for the complete picture!

[@oogaboooga69]

I might be biased, since im slovak. but honestly he surpassed my expectations everytime he touched the puck, even our own experts underestimated him. What i see is constant improvements over time, i think he will do much better than some comments here suggest

[@pauls5534]

As a NJ Devils fan I sure hope you are right! Excited that we might be blessed to draft Slafs!!

[@happeeguilmore3214]

I am a Montreal canadiens fan looking up his videos cause I was expecting Shane Wright to be picked and I’m not disappointed in our first round draft picked but we’ll have to see

[@Shawn-my2fn]

@@happeeguilmore3214 Exactly the same reason I'm here. I like the pick. Wright is kind of a douche...

[@janchovanec8624]

@@pauls5534 Well, this aged like milk.

[@Jonte18]

as a finn i am really happy for the succes sloavkia has had because of slaf and nemec .. future is looking good and its gonna be fun to see finlandf play slovakia .. and i was so happy when slovakia took the bronze from sweden HAHA :P i love sweden though i live there :P

[@soymartino]

haha, Slafkovsky is new Jaromir Jagr... you probably haven't seen him playing full game, I have seen him playing a lot of games (i am from Slovakia too) and I simply was amazed the same way I was when I have seen Jágr as a teenager playing for our national team at world championship in late 80's... Slafkovsky is a huge talent, everybody will agree soon.

[@bizkitsam]

Good to know! Excited to see him next year!

[@jaybob9317]

Well it would be nice if he develop as a Jagr but it is unlikely. Jagr is a generational player. Maybe he could bring some Jagr down low protecting the puck vibes because of his size.

[@briankennicott4397]

Slaf is dynamuc. At the Worlds, currently playing, every time he gets the puck I find myself excited to see what's next. I've seen this in LIIGA, Olympics and now Worlds. He's 18. My goodness. Grest video Dylan....thank you.

[@emeraldcityhockey5810]

He is a treat to watch in these international tournaments, no question. We'll see if he can do the same when he makes the NHL!

[@briankennicott4397]

@@emeraldcityhockey5810 I love watching Joakim Kemell play too and wonder the same thing? Can his vusion and playmaking translate to the NHL? Im thinking yes. Question though...what was everyone saying about Kappo Kakko before coming over?

[@Samlevine111]

@@briankennicott4397 kakko was wayyyyy better than slafkovsky

[@briankennicott4397]

@@Samlevine111 Thanks Andy. So far Kappo has 157 GP, 58 Points. It's all individual but all the hype I remember hearing when he was drafted hasn't drlivered yet. Perhaps he's coming into form.

[@nexushockeyHD]

@@Samlevine111 not way better. he had better numbers in Liiga. not as dominant in WC and his individual skillset wasn’t as impressive as Slaf.

[@auri5459]

Im quite surprised you said in the video that he is a bit below in playmaking than Rantanen in his age even though Rantanen wasnt really that good at 18 definitely nowhere near as good as Slafkovsky is at 18, he started shining at like 20-21 if i remember right at the same time im surprised youre saying Slafkovskys points can be capped by his hockey IQ which seems also quite off cause on the contrary Slafkovskys creativity and IQ is whats making him shine so much, all he lacks is a bit of guidance from experienced world class coaches to give him advice to unlock and sharpen that limitless potential he has and in NHL he will have this coaches available.

[@nexushockeyHD]

Great video buddy, I agree with a lot of it. I see a lot more Rantanen in Slafkovsky at this point, he has a lot of the same skills that Mikko had at the same age. New Jersey would be foolish to pass on this guy at 2.

[@matheogagnon7482]

lmao things changed a lot in a month

[@MrSharkFIN]

I mean they would've been, yeah

[@tchevrier]

I've always believed that the issue with Puljujarvi and why he never lived up to his draft is that he was drafted by Edmonton

[@hypehky5326]

he was rushed.

[@ubasic]

@@hypehky5326 he even left the team, wonder if he goes to Montreal.... could be a thing.

[@hypehky5326]

@@ubasic looking like ottawa

[@samspade4050]

Everytime a player doesn’t live up to expectations guys like you say he was rushed, ok how about the players at the same age preform very well were they rushed too

[@tchevrier]

@@samspade4050 first of all I just want to say that I did not say he was rushed. Second I implied that Edmonton has a long history of poor player development. Third, rushed doesn't mean brought into the nhl in his first year. Rushed means brought into the nhl and put into a situation before they are ready. "Ready " is different for every player.

[@michaels7134]

you do a great job breaking down individual players. Thanks.

[@nicolastomas8436]

He’s got the instincts and all of his downfalls can be coached up so that’s a great thing for his career

[@creativemoxie8172]

Another great video, Dylan!

[@emeraldcityhockey5810]

Thanks!

[@fourwinged]

If I had to pick three players: Mark Stone, Jaromir Jagr, and Ilya Kovalchuk. Stone because he, though oafish, has a pretty active stick and causes turnovers. Jagr because he has smooth mitts and drives the net, Kovy because he has a heavy shot and he can play in all situations as a workhorse. This guy is not just "size" - he's an athletic specimen. He's not as showy as Jagr or Kovy (more humble) and he's faster than Stone but doesn't yet have the slapshot. Think he will though. Last thing I'll note is that he plays a simpler game. The LIIGA team he's on is making him keep it simple and as the speaker says - play a cycle. When playing for Slovakia, he gets the puck in deep, and then he gets plucky around the net. When he gets the puck, though, he has no trouble barging through the neutral zone and setting up the forecheck. He likes driving the front of the net and with that frame, he has a right to. Only question at the NHL level is how much more will he develop? He's a very impressible and humble player, team first. Here is where he'll be different than Jagr or Kovy; they knew they were good. Slafkovsky is sort of still figuring that out, but LIIGA's given him a good work ethic. Ideally, he develops into the one of the most useful forwards in the league who can play any line, special teams, and still be offensively potent while defensively responsible. He has first liner written all over him... will he be a star? There's a chance.

[@nexushockeyHD]

Kovy is my favourite player ever so I struggle with that comp a bit, however the snapshot is very similar. He gets a ton of velocity on it without much effort and it’s deadly accurate.

[@baldbearded9601]

I respect your opinion but you're comparing to one of the greatest to ever play the game, as well as some of the best stickhandling hands in the game.. he's nowhere near those two. He had 10 pts in 30 games in Liiga. Decent for a kid his age, but Jagr? Nah

[@Tanmoy49]

I don’t think it’s fair to compare Slaf to some of the greater players in nhl history just like that. Being somewhat similar isn’t justification for a player comparison. It’s like trying to compare Josh Anderson with Cam Neely because they’re both big power forwards, or Cooley with Datsyuk because they both have good dangles. It just doesn’t work that way - a fair upside comparison to Slafkovsky is probably someone like Jeff Carter

[@fourwinged]

@@Tanmoy49 Jeff Carter? Conor Geekie and Cutter Gauthier's scouting reviews are down the hall and to the right.

[@Tanmoy49]

@@fourwinged a better comparison of players 1:1 of their skills, build, league of play and competition level, and overall caliber would be Joel Armia, but I’m sure that wouldn’t sit well with most Slaf fans.

[@HockeyJunkie]

Big fan of your work. Wicked scouting report.

[@manu-animation-924]

your best grasshopper saying hi

[@striatic]

I liked the video so that other fans can find it!

[@AH13371]

I replied to your comment to say that you are a good dude

[@emeraldcityhockey5810]

Haha yeah, I had to go all "youtuber" on this one. But seriously, thanks!

[@1987snuff]

Slafkovsky will be 40+/year NHL goal scorer not 25 maybe 30.. ;)

[@nexushockeyHD]

for the Devils, I hope!

[@1987snuff]

@@nexushockeyHD Why not. Devils have lot of talent and playing with Hughes and Hischier could be awesome for Juraj and Devils too.

[@nexushockeyHD]

@@1987snuff Hughes would be awesome center for him, Jack will set him up for tons of chances in offensive zone and make the transition game much easier on him.

[@CPM9999]

100% he is gonna shock anyone IF devils are smart and play him instantly on that second line with Hughes and Tatar(maybe holtz or jesper) tho I think he is better the pujularvi, Edmonton gave him terrible minutes for his first two years and he never was able to improve

[@xXTAMROCKSXx]

@@nexushockeyHD also Jack’s shot is starting to come on…slaf is creative too

[@SmoothOperator2013]

I'm so happy the habs picked him over wright!

[@njdevils300]

I think he reminds me more and more like Andrei Svechnikov as time goes on. Like Svech, he may not have 100 points every year but I think he can be a 30 goal, 70-75 point guy in his prime. And for the skills he has at his size, I find it hard to believe the Devils will pass on him. I like Cooley, Nemec and others, but I don’t think there’s a clear cut number 2 guy behind Wright. It’s not the Bedard, Michkov draft. Should usually take BPA, but him being as good as he is at his size, and the Devils having Hughes and Hischier down the middle, Slaf would bring something different that the Devils don’t have.

[@slaf_szn6859]

Well we’ll well

[@njdevils300]

@@slaf_szn6859 Montreal Canadiens W. Slaf wont let the haters bring him down.

[@TechnoForever21]

@@njdevils300 I think there are no haters, people were just surprised (I'd even say shocked) yesterday and the boos were for Bettman when he came to announce your team's pick! After building NYR from the ground, I believe in Gorton. I also believe in my man Kent Hughes, or as we call him here since the trade deadline, Went Wughes. This guy is a walking W 🤣

[@captainmofongo584]

Current top 10 points leaders at Worlds. Juraj is tied for 7th overall and just turned 18 in March. 1. Roman Cervenka GP 8, G 4, A 10 PTS 14 2. Pierre-Luc Dubois GP 8, G 7, A 5 PTS 12 3. Denis Malgin GP 7, G 5, A 7, PTS 12 4. Drake Batherson GP 8 , G 3, A 8, PTS 11 5. David Krejci GP 8, G 2, A 8, PTS 10 6. Dylan Cozens GP 8, G 4, A 5, PTS 9 7. Peter Schneider GP 7, G 3, A 6 PTS 9 7. Juraj Slafkovsky GP 7, G 3, A 6, PTS 9 9. Nico Hishier GP 7, G 5, A 3, PTS 8 10. Matej Blumel GP 8, G 4, A 4 PTS 8

[@pekarnicka]

if you look at how few goals slovakia scored, this becomes even more impressive

[@captainmofongo584]

@@Samlevine111 Hey champ, did you write that all by yourself? Maybe next time you can spell all the words correctly. Oh and your Mommy called and wanted me to tell you to come on up for dinner. Your grilled cheese and soup is ready.

[@Samlevine111]

@@captainmofongo584 what a donk!!!

[@captainmofongo584]

@@Samlevine111 Oh Champ are you trying to hide your previous comment? Don't worry I won't tell anyone. Oh hey how was that soup? Mom said she made you your favorite, bean and bacon! That's mighty dog tasty!

[@nexushockeyHD]

2nd most points ever for a U18 skater at the Men’s World Championship

[@Belial87]

His hockey sense is elite! So weird that you didn't notice it.....

[@ibelieveinsomething3895]

Well....MTL picked him! I like your analysis a lot!

[@dominiclaporte8040]

Except the Puljujarvi part. He could have left that out.

[@TechnoForever21]

@@dominiclaporte8040 Je pense que la différence c'est qu'il a été drafté par Edmonton dans un système de jeu différent et qu'il a été trop rushé... Le gars dit dans son report "he's gonna need a coach with a system that maximizes his strengths" ou quelque chose du genre, ça tombe bien parce que Martin St-Louis c'est drette ça qu'il a fait avec Caufield l'an passé pis il a explosé en production! J'ai vraiment hâte de voir ce que ça va donner dans trois ou quatre ans le trio Slafkovsky-Suzuki-Caufield!! J'ai un bon feeling sur notre avenir 😄

[@robertlavigne9828]

During his time in the NHL he will develop his instinct. It is a natural phenom for most hockey players especially if you get to know your team mates playing mentality. If he is selected to play with Caul and Suzuki they are more teh play makers with Caul with the ability to score so I can see how he would open up teh ice for them. And as I saw with the new coaching staff how they turned Caul's game around I would believe they will do the same with this guy since he does have a great personality to work with.

[@ubasic]

Can't ya see him with dach and anderson... 3 big guys storming the o-zone....

[@dtptcn]

@@ubasic The Montreal Legion of Doom!!

[@musicman55ization]

Go Habs...Love this guy...SLAPSHOTSKY.....HE WILL BE A HUGE FORCE IN THE FUTURE...!!! Reminds me of Jarimor Jagr...!!! Also love Kirby DACH..!!!

[@plonrainy]

thank you

[@ytbigmeech1248]

This was a great video! As a devils fan I’m skeptical of this draft and Slafkovsky at number 2. If you had the second pick this year are you taking him?

[@emeraldcityhockey5810]

It's tough. I think Logan Cooley is a better prospect and plays a more valuable position (center) but the Devil's don't necessarily need to pick another center. Slafkovsky would give them something that they don't have a ton of, but they'd have to work with him and get up to NHL speed.

[@ytbigmeech1248]

@@emeraldcityhockey5810 I agree, thanks for the response. I wouldn’t mind the devils moving back to get Matt savioe or Nemec.

[@mikegaronee171]

@@emeraldcityhockey5810 as a die hard Devils fan it seems all the feedback from the scouts on Slafkovsky is they rave about his size, but he doesn't have elite skill. However Cooley has elite, but not generational skill. If the Devils don't take Cooley it sets the franchise back because to compete in the highly competitive Metro division you need talent! This is a league where speed and skill on all four lines are the difference makers (just look at TB) and the Devils have been awful for so long they need to take the best talent regardless of position.

[@jamesholmes4339]

@@mikegaronee171 disagree that all you need is skill. Yes every elite team has tons of skill but you can’t win a cup with 12 skill forwards or even 6 skill guys in your top 6. Need some grit still to balance things out. This kid would be ideal on jacks wing

[@ajax9302]

@@mikegaronee171 you need skill but also size, see the rangers right now who beefed up

[@gerardvinet8448]

Montreal needed a great play finisher , I think that is what they got , can he hit ????

[@jaybob9317]

Real good analysis but the habs scout point something else. His personality. His desire to take the bull by the horns that he showed since he was 15 living abroad on his own.

[@403willie777]

I think the habs should take this guy first overall

[@TechnoForever21]

They did 😏

[@tomslick2058]

Phenomenal eye test. Lol so was Dach. But I like this guy.

[@joakimhausswolff9728]

He will be a superstar. He got grit, skill, and size.

[@austonboston4361]

I'd project him to be a solid 3rd liner.

[@pugzi101]

@@austonboston4361 now that he has been drafted by Montreal yeah. typical Bruins fan comments here.

[@austonboston4361]

@@pugzi101 If not that then certainly a good checking line player.

[@pugzi101]

@@austonboston4361 yeah just like David pastrnak 🤣🤣

[@4stringjoe2]

I've seen the Kraken taking a blueliner pretty much everywhere. But if this guy is somehow there at 4, I feel like you have to pull the trigger. I think he's the kind of Winger Francis likes too.

[@emeraldcityhockey5810]

Yeah, personally I would prefer if they took a forward as I think they'll be ok on the blueline for awhile and their goal scoring issues are not going to be a quick fix. Slafkovsky or Joakim Kemell both excite me for that.

[@scottwhite7789]

@@emeraldcityhockey5810 I think it's better to get a play making center and preferably one who has a scoring touch himself; with Nemec they will need to wait years for his development. Hopefully a good one is available at 4.

[@eyezac11]

Marty St. Louis will be a very good coach for Slaf

[@alexthebasilisk]

I scream, you scream, we all want Slafkovsky ;)

[@emeraldcityhockey5810]

Haha

[@brianphilippoi349]

His knee bend and posture remind me of Gaborik without the 6th gear, and slightly stuttery mechanics compared to Gabby. It looks like he's back on his heels a bit. I know they tinker with their blades as much as anyone in Finland (and probably on all national teams) but it looks like he'd benefit from a more aggressive forward pitch on his skates. It looks like he's leaning back all the team and that keeps him from getting up and going all out on his forward strides and top end speed. If he could add a gear and smoothen out his stride like Barkov did early in his NHL career, he could be a monster.

[@mareksicinski3726]

0:24 well certain kinds of sport

[@ShabbsArt]

he's gonna look good with suzuki or dach I hope. lol

[@FourHorsemen2RSM]

More ECH content!!!!!!!!!!

[@emeraldcityhockey5810]

We're trying! hahaha

[@samuelattias4722]

Slafkovsky in montreal

[@mr.devil9577]

Yup seen enough as a devs fan trade the pick and get a sure thing. Tkachuk or Debrincat

[@keeppounding9534]

One the hawks are in terrible cap space so them bringing debrincat back are gonna be tough so I think the devils could get the deal done without having to give up the second overall pick

[@cambo3343]

pls pls pls have natural chemistry with Jack Hughes

[@mr.ilikespam6081]

don't have worry about that now

[@austonboston4361]

Hmmm. I dunno. Thinking, he's got potential but, I see him projecting out to a journeyman player at best. Not flashy, but a solid 25-30 point a season kind of guy.

[@Exokris]

30 pts season uh alright LOL

[@austonboston4361]

@@Exokris Central Scouting corroborates this assessment lol

[@Exokris]

@@austonboston4361 you first youre speculating, explain yourself

[@austonboston4361]

@@Exokris I will explain. Tomorrow. Mom says it's past my bedtime. Cheers Chris.

[@Colombo-pt8db]

The way he skates up the ice in some videos, sometimes going end-to-end reminds me of Jack Hughes when he was on US National Development Team. Hughes did it whenever he could and when he got to the Devils he learned the hard way, he has to use his teammates. Sure Slaf will learn as well. Some of his decision making does scare me, but he also has a very high ceiling. He's a perfect fit for the Devils hope they take him or Nemec they don't need another center Cooley is a poor man's Hughes IMO anyways. If they took Kemell wouldn't be the end of the world but Devils need size

[@CPM9999]

Jiricek is better than nemec in my opinion for the devils, composed and better defensively while still providing amazing shooting(they have Luke coming up with god skating)

[@justanotherhandlethatisnttaken]

I see a sort of Joel Armia in Slafkovsky

[@fredharris9413]

Good eye --Armia was their best forward in the playoffs ...Slaf rises in the important series also ...Slaf will be an important part of a real team being built by Gorton and Hughes ...They will all be stars for the team or moved out !!

[@kesuya]

I won't be mad if the Habs draft him

[@galkanftw]

I can point a few obvious flaws...."finnish cycling".They are playing on wider ice which allows players to have more time and space to cycle the puck.Cycling has two mindsets one is that yoru cycling becuae the defense is NOT covering your points or anyone but instead playing a ZONE defense.Defense PRESSURE is also a factor if the defense is not pressuring the puck carrier then yeah EASY sauce cycling. Another HUGE factor is your line mates are they all on the same page and are they all good one on one giving each other more time and space. Oh there is more MUCH more .So you might be a really good skater for example a Lane Hutson he is very quick allowing him to buy time and space but what can this type of player do when he can't outskate the opposition. Then there is a real peeve of mine players that cycle forever around the OUTSIDE never getting the puck to the net and waiting too long for a perfect pass that never comes. There is actually even more to reading a player and game but I can't sit here and right a novel.

[@guillaumepoirier8365]

Puljarvii as not the hands of Slafkovsky

[@edgarbenjoseph3879]

I prefer Shane Wright. Shane is always well positioned, has tremendous vision and above average hockey IQ. I'm quite disappointed he wasn't drafted by MTL. He will be a star for sure. I hope Juraj becomes a point per game player or above. And I hope it won't take him 10 years to get there 🙏

[@madeinedmundston]

Slafkovsky in his prime will score 35 to 40 goals,25 to 30 assost,best season maybe at 70 point.With Caufield and Him,Nick suzuki could expect 70+ assist per season and probably 100 ish point for a couple of years. Those three in the same line could become top 10 line in the NHL for many years.

[@edgarbenjoseph3879]

@@madeinedmundston Possibly and as a Habs fan, I really hope. But how long until they get there ? 5-8 years ? Wright seems like he will perform at a high level from day 1. We'll just have to wait and see lol

[@edgarbenjoseph3879]

@@mk6957 Yes, you're right, they're both good players :) I do have to admit that Slaf has a great personality. He's very positive and has a good presence. I really wish him the best of luck, but I think he'll take a few years to reach elite status. And maybe he won't, who knows.

[@richardtlstovic5027]

Wright za 5 rokov bude dobrý medzi mužmi. Montreal potrebuje výsledky teraz,už včera bolo neskoro.👍🇸🇰👏💪🇨🇦🤗

[@striatic]

Jesse Puljujarvi For Selke

[@emeraldcityhockey5810]

If only a winger could win 😔

[@striatic]

@@emeraldcityhockey5810 Maybe after the Kraken trade for him they can try 🦬👑 at C!

[@kevinblanchet171]

Mtl shoulda went wright or cooley no cap

[@lawrencelitwin1807]

Slafkovsky reminds me of Mike Bossy a little bit..

[@Parallax982]

That's a super high compliment. Not too many who have been at that level.

[@lawrencelitwin1807]

@@Parallax982 its the way he stands and skates

[@mhkins]

Unlikely that’s he still there at 4, but he’d be a great compliment on the wing to Beniers.

[@coryt93]

I believe you’re underestimating Slafkovsky’s offensive upside. 25 goals would be a disappointment for Slaf, and with a great center like Hughes, I’d expect 35+ goals per season

[@dominiclaporte8040]

You mean with Suzuki 😂

[@coryt93]

@@dominiclaporte8040 ok

[@MrSharkster59]

While I enjoy your video and comments, I see Rantanen. Puli was a great junior player but isn't a productive player in the NHL. I think Slaf will be productive.

[@galkanftw]

I have to say that in all my years I have found most people don't understand more than just simple numbers.There are sooooo many factors that go into how a player produces and is perceived and so far with Slafkovsky I have seen a LOT of poor analysis typically sounding like biased fanbois stuff. I am long removed from high level hockey I don't even play anymore as I am in my 60's but I still understand the game very well and spot all the fine details in every shift. Like I said there is a LOT to decipher but if I had to do a quick analysis that levies Slafkovsky's worth it would be to say that ALL of his positives are in the offensive end and all his negatives are in every other category. I do not like comparing to OTHER players because that is a far fetched analysis that imo carries no weight because there are far too many circumstances to skew results. I for one admit I had Slafkovsky being totally worthless a year ago buit he did improve with confidence and in the offensive end but I still see him lacking the IQ to ever be a legit star but will likely be over rated by MANY.

[@adamjanks4966]

Hopefully he develops better then Jesse lol

[@ubasic]

The league he's in hasn't got the top talent, so when he comes to NA and Montreal, he will be influenced by the guys he plays with, eg. Anderson or Armia as bigger players or Slick Suzie, not to mention the opposition, which will school him well. Bottom line, 18 with tons of upside, I love his character, smiles, compete, positivity, I was not impressed with Wright's demeanour. Gotta hear your take on Wright, Seattle scored big with him.

[@ryangilchrist56]

I think that saying anything that a player can provide on the backend is a dangerous approach to the game. even if he is just a scoring winger.

[@davidmackinnon2968]

Puljarvi doesn’t have the shot. Slav can take the pick better than mentioned

[@davidmackinnon2968]

Jagr didn’t hit hard but jostled him with a big butt.

[@BarryWoodMontford5light]

Would be perfect for habs if he could play center

[@ivobrick7401]

+ that stuff in video, on top of that i have feeling that under the pressure he is not playing that well. If you have a range on players from 1 to 5, he is solid 2. No way near Jagr. This kid is good, but not exceptional.

[@edwardgray2102]

You can’t teach the shooting other things you can coach

[@dominiclaporte8040]

I do not see a Puljujarvi at all. Puljujarvi is practically a bust.

[@madeinedmundston]

he's talking about skillset,not about attitude or work ethic.Puljujarvi never did dominate in the Olympics.

[@mickhoddy]

I meannn it honestly reminds me of when people were shoving Quinton Byfield down our throats. Highlights of games that look slow motion honestly. Nothing dynamic looking about either player IMO

[@Amadeus_]

Devils are crazy if they take a D man over Slaf. No chance they go Cooley at #2. Slaf might have a better career than Wright.

[@ADB358]

Elite D aren’t floating around in the open market. You have to draft them. Nemec and Jiricek look very poised.

[@Amadeus_]

@@ADB358 They could flop too. Not to mention D take longer to develop. They're project picks. I don't think Nemec or Jiricek have higher upside than Slafkovsky.

[@Amadeus_]

Not at all surprised to see Slaf go #1. I'm mad, but not surprised. Devils made a good pick considering the circumstances.

[@napualani227]

would’ve been great for them honestly! slaf and hughes playing together on the same line would’ve been absolutely dangerous! jersey seriously needs to get hughes better linemates bc i feel like that’s holding him back from putting up more points. if he’d been drafted by new york… that’d be a much different story 😫

[@Amadeus_]

@@napualani227 I feel like the Devils were going to sign Johnny Gaudreau and draft Slafkovsky. Now that that plan has gone tits up, they're going to be more aggressive in the Gaudreau sweepstakes. They will likely overpay for him. I also heard NJ was in on DeBrincat, but passed. Kinda dumb, honestly. I think they should've told Chicago they'd make the trade if Slaf was picked #1. Also heard that they tried to trade #2 for Matthew Tkachuk, but it seems like Calgary decided not to. Either way, all these players are wings, so the Devs know they need to give Hughes better linemates.

[@stenlis]

here's something I'm missing from the analysis: junior competitions - great scoring production Finnish top league - subpar production the Olympics - great production the world championship - great production Why? what is it about the Liiga that accounts for this disparity ?

[@CPM9999]

The team he is on isn’t high scoring+ after the Olympics he has been around 0.5 pts a game. He is just finding out how good he is and if he goes right into devils second line I could see him surprising a lot of people

[@guillaumeturcotte4523]

i like you don't take joel armia.

[@jerryczech953]

George Slavkovsky will not go 3rd....so dream on Seattle :-)))

[@ChrisLamia]

It's absurd to say Slaf has a Laine level shot. Laine has arguably a generational shot and walked into the league with a 40 goal pace.

[@reasonablerage4370]

Bust lmao