Alright... Can We Say It?

Nhl hockey today - That montreal canadiens vs anaheim ducks game was definitely something. If you watched the game or saw the habs highlights you'll know how dominant the canadiens top players, especially nick suzuki and juraj slafkovsky in this one. For more coverage of nhl highlights today , nhl news and rumors plus trades and signings , picks / predictions (like the face of the franchise one we just did, also have another thing coming), reaction to on-ice and mic'd up funny moments, and if we keep seeing juraj slafkovsky goals I'll definitely follow up on more montreal canadiens highlights, subscribe. Nhl 2024
#hockey #nhl #highlights #montrealcanadiens

[@254zero]

Players like McDavid and mathews have set unrealistic standards when it comes to number 1 picks. Not every number 1 is a generational talent, sometimes kids need to adjust and find their game. Habs fans, stay patient with slaf, he's gonna be a monster that every single team will be jealous of.

[@scottstenlund433]

Same thing applies with lafrienere. It's his first year in the top 6 and he's not racking up a massive amount of points this year....however there's been times this year he's looked like Jack Hughes. He's gotten hot a few times this year...I think he's on pace for 45 maybe 50 points depending on how his year ends. Either way it'll be a career high. A thing to note about that too.....lafrienere has done that with almost no PP time too.

[@scottstenlund433]

For whatever reason PLs not really using lafrienere on the power play. If I had to guess.....it's probably because PPS involve a lot of pressure. Maybe he's trying to shield him until he adjusts more who knows

[@thylacine519]

​@scottstenlund433 I think that if you asked Rangers fans, he's gotten unlucky on several occasions and he probably should have had 45 pts and 25 goals

[@scottstenlund433]

@@thylacine519 he got absolutely robbed for goals a few times recently. I saw some highlights where the goalies made an unbelievable save to stop a goal from him

[@scottstenlund433]

@@thylacine519 he looks good though

[@Thomas_667]

I find it so funny when people were saying he is a bust. This is his SECOND season in the NHL, chill guys.

[@debuthunter5389]

Lol yeah Jack Hughes did barely nothing in his first season or two, and now he's pretty much top 10 in the league.

[@alex_angri]

It’s actually the end of his first season now he missed 40 games last year

[@tigermop]

@Thomas_667 I'm pretty sure I read that you called him a bust. AND now you're on the SLAF Wagon.

[@Squirrelpadre]

@@_SE77are you even aware of Carey’s stats ? Not even close to being elite

[@Oxmosh]

They do with every players that dont have a great season out of the gate. Remember Jack Hughes? He was a bust too according to those people.

[@HockeyJunkie]

I’ve watched every game he’s played .. most of them twice . This kid is my favorite player to watch right now on the Habs roster . Gotta love it

[@vanillaflounder376]

Can all be pointed to one man. Martin St.Louis. Criminally underrated at developing these young guys

[@SSNESS]

Ulf Samuelsson

[@CanTunaGuitar]

Ragnar Lothbrok

[@Bj-rl5fb]

That’s his second year behind the bench, eventually the media with give the flowers he deserves

[@RustyShaklferd7788]

I completely agree! Glad someone is saying it!

[@HeyoJB]

And Alex Burrows

[@malcolmk2878]

He's a 50-60 point player as it stands, imo. He's 19. Slaf's potential is much higher than 50-60.

[@CanTunaGuitar]

I am a Leaf fan, but I pay for Game Center like a shithead, but it's because I fkn love hockey. I am genuinely becoming a big habs fan, their core seems like a collection of hard workers with great character. Slafkovsky is the reason I've been tuning in more recently to the Habs games though. Kid looks like he could turn into something real dangerous and I'm here for it.

[@TheBattersBoxBaseball]

Slaf is turning into a star. The haters are in shambles

[@Platnatimingbelt]

As a Canucks fan I was shocked when they took him but I knew he would be good look at the frame he plays with tenacity and has a solid shot love the pick for you guys

[@theonlyraid8372]

@@Platnatimingbelt Yeah just a patience thing since he was a very raw prospect to go first in the draft. Great to see it working for us now

[@M2xim]

Decades of scouting failure turned me into a negative Nancy but I'm not retarded or blind how can you hate a kid who play big like that?! I'm on the wagon now.. I just want to win dude and Slafzilla is definitely going to help us do that. All i needed was a sign of something.

[@philippebergeron5821]

That includes Suzuki.

[@finalguildis]

​@M2xim this management actually seems very smart. Mtl hasn't had smart management like this in a long time. They haven't gotten fucked on a trade yet. Guy turns petry into picks and matheson! Pretty insane. Guys really good at asset management

[@nomadicnovels]

him on the bike killed me 💀

[@bukelos2804]

it also almost killed the bike :D

[@evancodd6739]

​@@bukelos2804 pretty sure he did break the bike from what I remember.

[@no.mans.guy.]

One of the greatest clips ever

[@lumash9]

Yep he broke that bike that time 😂

[@celluloidtherapy5003]

As a fan of the team who picked 2nd overall that year (NJ,) I was initially bummed about missing Slafkovsky. Fortunately, scouting didn’t blow it, and the Devils *wisely* selected his good friend, Simon Nemec. So far, Nemec looks to be an absolute superstar in the making, as does Juraj. This is a *great* Hockey story, about two friends who are living the dream. You love to see it.

[@Conquerer.D.K]

That was a tricky draft. A lot of people was in disbelief when Shane Wright slipped to 4th overall.

[@greatslavia9662]

And now we'll see what Filip Mešár will become

[@AlexQC9]

@@greatslavia9662 I'm still hopeful, he's having a good season and had a solid WJC

[@oogaboooga69]

​@@Conquerer.D.K honestly if Wright was forced to play as a 1st, he would have a terrible time, especially with that attitude. People would be saying worst 1st pick since Yakupov

[@thai2go]

IMO Nemec is a sure shot

[@austyn307]

Not only lots of points over his last couple games, but go back 20 games. He has 15pts. Thats not a streak, thats consistent production at 0.75ppg as a 19 year old. He is absolutely finding his stride, and as a habs fan thats been watching him closely, I think we can expect 40-50pts next year, maybe more after that when the habs start trending upwards with the return of Kirby Dach and the progression of the rest of the young team.

[@petrblazek6051]

I think you can expect 40-50 pts this year and 60+ next year. If Slaf keeps his number 1 line and number 1 PP spot he will be over 60 pts for sure, maybe he can even explode to 70-80 point range. The thing that makes him so dangerous is that he is not one trick…. He can pass, shoot, play physicaly fight in front of the net.

[@Ruzr07]

He putting 40-50 this years

[@kaz6854]

He is gonna put between 60 - 80 next year

[@dwaynethecuckjohnson2.08]

40-50pts next year sounds like a conservative estimate if you ask me.

[@habitant71]

He'll break 40 this year, he will break 55-60 next year, but may surprise more with a true breakout, 65+

[@PROVOCATEURSK]

Everyone in Slovakia knew what he was capable of.

[@vilsfrid1566]

And Finland too

[@rebeltvr6046]

2 mths ago I was really down on Slaf. A Slovakian guy said to me, "Trust me, he's the real deal. Just give it some time." He was so confident that I became confident. Well, we're seeing it. Slaf is a monster. Great vision, passing, shooting, and he's got the will. He's going to be a superstar.

[@marekpetrik29]

@@rebeltvr6046 Yeah man, Slafkovský is a unique phenomenon here in Slovakia. Him & Nemec basically rose from the ashes of our recently struggling National Ice-Hockey Team and made people joyful about the game again. Every Slovak saw what Slaf is capable of at the Olympics, so there was no doubt that he can replicate that in the NHL, given his work-ethics, size and quick hands. All it took was just a little bit of time to adapt, which he thankfully got with Habs. Most Slovaks (me including) were afraid that they would be impatient with him, luckily not the case and it pays off.

[@rebeltvr6046]

@@marekpetrik29 I heard that they were going to demote Slaf to the AHL in November, but it was his coach Martin St-Louis who insisted that they keep Slaf with Montreal, he said that he was just about ready to break out. So we can thank the coach for believing in his progress. Slaf is definitely unique and special, we can see it firsthand. Nemec has done well too. Peter Stasny I think is my fav. Slovak of all-time. Hopefully Slaf can have success like that.

[@rockinrodlittle]

Thank you Slovakia. I visited there last summer. Wonderful people, architecture, and food. Now I can add “NHL Hockey producer” to that list

[@estellegrignon]

He definitely won't compare to other first overall picks that turned into generational talent like Ovi, Crosby, McDavid, Matthews or Bedard. But right now, he absolutely looks like the best player of his draft class and that's pretty much all we can ask of him

[@shane_fir8481]

Bedard did not turn into generation talent yet lol he hasn’t even played half a season

[@philtess3126]

​@@shane_fir8481he's already amongst the best centers of the league at 18 years old. He was on pace for 30 goals this year on the worst team in the league and the one guy who was getting paid 4m just to help and guide him ended up being apart of his first controversy. To pull off that kind of scoring at 18 amidst all of that shows generational talent.

[@rebeltvr6046]

Matthews has 1 playoff round win. Bedard's just starting. So this 'generational' talent tag needs to be modified. Slaf I think will win a chip before Matthews or Bedard, he's got that overall game to him and the dog in him those two don't have.

[@MachoManAndySavage125]

@@philtess3126amongst the best centers in the league? Hahaha, with what stats are you coming to this conclusion?

[@nasevikaadamko]

Bedard??? You are jumping the gun here big time

[@nathankennedy4263]

Habs definitely made the wright choice drafting Slaf

[@artbosma9985]

The kid has a burning desire to be great and win. Throw in incredible talent and physical attributes and we have a new star in montreal. He may or may not be a point per game player in the NHL, but he will be a huge reason for any success the habs have in the years to come. His size and determination will be a massive asset when the habs get to the playoffs in future years.

[@oogaboooga69]

You might be right, but whats intriguing about this kid is that he might very well be a PPG guy. I feel like at least once he is going to have a freak season with over 100 points. But yeah I dont think that will be a regular occurance during his career

[@Bdubsky]

He's been dominant for most of the season. Losing his chemistry that he had with Dach at the start of the season I thought meant bad news but he's dug himself outta that hole all by himself. Just when you think he can't get better next game he does. I've never seen someone on the habs develop this quickly before. I'd say consistent 25-40 goal player with 80-90 points but the sky is the limit for this kid

[@ro.a6551]

I completely agree. I've been fixed on him all year. I think 80-90 points might be his floor.

[@jferg999]

AND.....he's still only 19 years old and appears to LOVE playing the game and LOVES his linemates. What a line!!!! I predict "Slaf" should continue to develop into a bonefide power forward, getting 20-30 goals and putting up a solid 60+ points per season. Let's see how he looks when he's 23-25 years old entering his prime before anointing him star status. Sky's the limit though AND guys like "Slaf" don't grow on trees...he's a real gem who should only get better.

[@oogaboooga69]

i have high hopes, 60 points is the floor!

[@simonreilly213]

His attitude and work edit will 100% make him a superstar. Kid is a stud and is one of the few kids his age that can fight through the kind of adversity that comes with being in the spotlight in Montreal. I have complete faith.

[@soccermtb13]

Love him, he's 19 and playing like a beast. Can't wait to see what's in store for him over the next 10 or so years.

[@SSNESS]

He’s no Ulf Samuelsson

[@planco]

Not everybody can be generational talent, but Slaf combine some talent and hardwork. With that 100p seasons are possible. There are many players like that from Slovakia born 2004/5. Those 2 years were strong and they are coming to NHL!

[@andrewthiessen1686]

Slaf is a student of the game and always will be. That is what will make him a star.

[@habitant71]

I was saying 50-60 points. But now you have to question what his 22 and 23 years look like as he really starts to come into his own. This is happening quicker, the change in his game over the last 6 weeks, it's been astronomical, and if he sustains this pace, maybe not quite a point per game, and ends the year with over 40 pts, it starts to make you wonder what and if we can put a cap on his production??! He's a beast on the PP, really tough to get the puck away, but he's caught up to the game in all situations, very quickly. He was so behind the game last year, and even this year early, the game looked like it was still a couple of years away from him catching up, to the point where I was thinking the AHL would be a good place for him; a la Mikko Rantanen. Strangely, he's been able to develop in the top league at a quicker pace, he is putting in the work, the shooter tutor Montreal has has been paying off with a couple of the players, something that I'm sure that they will keep going with. Development hasn't been a forte of Montreal's for over 35 years now. They've done a horrible job at developing, and even seeing talent for 40 years now. Slafkovsky may break this cycle and may become, along with Caufield, Montreal's first drafted players to score a point per game and 40+ goals since Stephane Richer. Suzuki may be able to complete the feat since Kovalev before the other two. And with 3 solid lines in the next 2-3 years, this might finally be a team that might be ready to crack some skulls for the first time in over 30 years. I still say that they aren't a contender until year 5-6 of the rebuild, in 3 to 4 years from now, and the losses might need to still be the pain of the rebuild, but this is looking positive, and asset management may still become a major issue here; Lane Hutson. Lane Huston is eligible for another 2 years before Montreal needs to sign him. This isn't a question of whether he is ready to play the game from a talent standpoint, but being actually physically ready; his bodies maturity. Sometimes you have to take a step back and wait. There is still no need to rush him, and to let him play one more year in college, instead of getting killed, and putting on another 15-20lbs of muscle would help a lot. Patience is still required with this team, some smart moves with all of the picks and prospects are needed, and trusting in the process, and watching Hughes and Gorton smirk will be a requirement for this fanbase. Good luck and lets enjoy watching the next steps take place.💪💪

[@jeffreynoury1637]

Well said. I agree with pretty much everything you said.

[@AlexQC9]

Hutson is coming at the end of March or April. I'd rather see him play in the AHL next year than a 3rd year of college.

[@habitant71]

@@AlexQC9 Still too rough for him at this point in his career. If he is going to be a long term in Montreal, manage him properly. Dominating the Div1 still isn't a bad thing. There hasn't been a significant increase in his point production, and if you look at it objectively, he was supposed to dominate the WJC, which he didn't. That's asking a lot on any kid, unless you're a generational talent, and even still, you need similar weapons playing with you to amplify the stats. He needs to grow, fill out his frame, or he's going to get hurt. Like I said, he's not going to put on 15-20lbs in one summer at 20 years old, specially at this size right now.

[@xylangaming7381]

I think if he keeps progressing like he is now, he could become a one-point-per-game player in about 3 years (like 40+🍎-45+🍏 player). I'm not saying he's going to be as dominant as Rantanen, but these two are very similar, 2 European power forwards who come from the same team and have a hard time establishing themselves in the NHL when they first start out, but that in the end they bounce back, it's pretty amazing. What's more, the fact that they play almost identically adds a little something to this anecdote. Even if he doesn't become a ppg+ player (which would surprise me), he's likely to be a good one. In any case, bravo to him for ignoring the critics. Slafkovský has arrived 🔥🔥

[@robinhu1770]

i've actually heard him saying in one of the interviews, that Rantanen is his model player.

[@peterjanosik9344]

80 points average in best time❤12 years in Habs 2 times Stanley😊😊

[@Ruzr07]

Honestly in 3 years he going to put above 75 pts i’m pretty sure

[@justforfun2673]

If not more. I can see him reach the 85/90 pts mark. Hes going to score a lot of greasy goals around the net too that will have an impact on his pts totals.

[@Ruzr07]

I wish @@justforfun2673

[@mateopumakawa]

Notice how he's always smiling, on and off the ice. That kid's having a blast.

[@beneasler8868]

Not a Habs fan but I'm excited to see what this team develops into

[@habnormal7283]

You're now a Habs fan!

[@debuthunter5389]

I'm moving to Montreal next week, so they're gonna have to become my #2 team, so becoming excited to see how it goes.

[@antom3117]

@@debuthunter5389 Hope you'll enjoy Montreal! Always in love with the city every time I go there

[@debuthunter5389]

@@antom3117 - everyone I know that's been or lived there has only ever said great things about it. Was there last week for 2 weeks for the first time. It definitely has a nice vibe.

[@antom3117]

@@debuthunter5389 Yeah, the vibe is very different from other north american cities I've visited. Knowing some french helped a fair bit, but even then when I spoke english people were nice and the culture is amazing.

[@alainbelso]

I was one of the minority that wanted the Habs to draft Juraj. And he's playing just like I hoped he would. Sure, he's on a hot streak and will have ups and downs this early in his career but he's exactly what the Habs needed and I expect him to only get better with time. I'll be happy if he becomes a constant 30 goal, 70 point player. If he surpasses that, then great!

[@cornellbubush]

Guys, Slaf looks like Juraj Slafkovsky, the Big George as we call him back home. Do not compare him with anyone he is unique!!!

[@alexcarpentier4262]

I think its still very early to say but I think that his last 20-25 games he’s completely turned it up a notch. Like you said the few months before he’d been getting more playing time and was looking more confident while affecting the game positively outside of stats. That first line of caufield and suzuki was struggling to produce with anderson newhook or whoever they had. They looked really good with Dach but we never got to see them much because Caufield and Dach have been hurt. Slafs presence on that line changed things instantly. He was extending a lot of offensive zone plays with his play on the boards. All that being said. The points are coming now. Probably around 23 in his last 26 and 10 in his last 6. He’s looking like hell get 50 this year with the majority of his points coming after the 30 game mark.

[@valnerothgaming8918]

His ability to control the puck has been the real noticeable change this season. After a rough start due to his injury, he started working at winning puck battles. Be it in the corners, or especially at the half-wall, this has been the biggest indication of progress for him. He's been working hard to improve those aspects and it has started to show more each game. Offensively, I wasn't expecting him to heat up too much scoring-wise. The good thing about this is it should start opening up more ice out there, knowing that opponents will have to contain both Slaf's pass and shot. It's gonna take more games, but he'll start showing teams that they need to respect his play a lot more pretty soon.

[@ro.a6551]

He's going to be a star.

[@DracoX-hz3tu]

What a surprise people calling an 18 year old rookie a bust, time passes and he's on his way to being a potent player

[@unbearablycringe]

NHL fans be calling everyone a bust if they dont produce like McDavid

[@AlexQC9]

Size + Heart + Work Ethic + Love of the game + Talent = Future beast

[@pjmittens]

Was just waiting for him to get it going, and its good to see. Even as a leafs fan and the supposed rival of the canadiens, im happy for them and their fanbase with this c:

[@joebones10]

That PP pass to Suzuki was a natural PLAYMAKERS play, hands down. I dont think he has "arrived" yet, but he is definitely knocking on the doorstep. Habs fans, look for more and its only going to get better with him.

[@bdube30]

I follow the Montreal Canadiens since 2000-2001 season, and from all the rookie I remember seen, he is the one whose most remarkable progression I noticed over the course of a single season! From week to week, he was getting better at many differents aspects of his game, and in the last 1-2 months, pieces of the puzzle started getting put together and we see a more visible result of his improvement. He prove to all of us why he have been pick first, event a year that many people would have thought that Wright and Cooley should have been picked before. It still soon to make any declaration about this, but so far I think the scouting team that Hugues and Gordon have put in place have been really good!

[@sgtty69]

I love Juraj hes a stud🍺

[@user-jh4dp4tn5j]

As someone who know Gigniac because we use to play together during the summer on 3v3 i'm so happy for him!

[@pier6114]

The first player to excited me since Kovy! With the CH I mean ! He’s fascinating to observe

[@lauig]

Who cares about Star status for the kid ? He's proven to be good enough the team can truly build around him (and a few others) to go and push for a playoff spot fairly soon and even try and contend for the Cup not too long after that. It's all that matters.

[@user-qc5rr3gk2h]

People, be aware that at the age of 18, Juraj left home to live almost halfway across the globe from his family to a city where he did not know the main language, had no home or friends, and overnight became a rock star from whom almost everyone expects miracles. He had to get used not only to a smaller ice rink and a different style of hockey, but also to the fact that tickets for his events were bought by people who expected a local rock star who they know everything about, and he has a concert 2-3 times a week and every time he has to give a satisfactory experience, that's a lot of pressure, I personally wanted him to go to a team where he would have space to grow, but maybe it's a good thing in that even if he didn't score, he wanted to be a contribution to the team and learned to better use different aspects of his game, such as defense, taking the puck, playing with his body... he can still improve in his positional play when defending, where he sometimes covers the space that is already covered by his teammate and does not try to take the puck away from the opponent. he has already shown that he is talented in many things, but for me it is much more important that he showed himself as a training worker with a great desire to constantly improve. he loves this game. Habs fans, if you have him there, support him ❤under all conditions, otherwise you are going against your club

[@DylanMorrow48]

that's unreal - very similar to Matthews moving to Switzerland at 16/17..... I wonder if they've ever discussed it.....

[@user-qc5rr3gk2h]

@@DylanMorrow48 I don't think that hockey is sport number 1 in Switzerland, nor is it sport number 2 or 3. I also have a feeling that one of his parents was there, but I may be wrong, but he was definitely not drafted by the Swiss team

[@jordanlane8699]

Love this. And agree he has arrived. Excited for the future of this team.

[@SaveznaRepublikaJugoslavija]

Just imagine this Canadiens team if Carey Price wasn't hurt

[@robrick9361]

And if they kept Sergachev and drafted Tkachuk.

[@crazeinthedark]

@@robrick9361if we kept sergy and drafted tkatchuk we wouldn’t be in this position. Those mistake led us to finishing last in the league and getting Slaf. And Bergy getting the boot. It’s all coming together so perfectly, for once.

[@goodolgabbers9958]

Price was a goalie of exception and is almost impossible to replace. I am however excited to see what Monty will become. I feel like he has the potential to become very good. Especially once we get our defense in order

[@MrProng999]

If Carey Price was still playing, the Habs would be at least 20 points higher in the standings every year, and drafting guys like Kotkenemi

[@AlexQC9]

I'm still dreaming of a miraculous surgery which would see him back next year lmao

[@ccm0222]

people compare slaf to KK or galchenyuk but i think slaf has something that they never did, its the confidence to play in a city like montreal, back when we drafted price one of the most important things about him (and why he became so great in montreal) was his pure confidence. when i see slaf play i see way more confidence and motivation compared to other high montreal draft picks who look like they are just trying to survive, credit to st louis who has boosted the confidence and play of everybody on the habs and is developing some studs

[@Unholy_Louie]

Just watched the NY game. Dude, him and Cole were such studs! Seeing stuff like that, and still getting closer to a good pick are the best outcome post Mona trade. To answer your question, I feel he can become a more talented Krider. So better known for overall impact than being a monster point producer like one has in mind when talking about "superstars." I think he'll become a 1st line caliber winger in the NHL, one that can protect, surge, power forward, force plays, make space, AND still be very dangerous for scoring, plus dude, we knew about his passing skills, but damn! He does a highlight one setting someone perfectly basically every game now. My hope, and what I think he will become, an extremely complete player and 1st line caliber winger. His impact on games will go beyond his point production. So basically not the main producer in a team during the reg season, but ALL the hallmarks of a PLAYOFF MONSTER an even MVP... The guy will bleed for the team like all other MSL coached players. At the end of the day isn't being your most valuable playoff player the most we can hope for? It's cool to have monster seasons, but if the production gets and overall plays gets WORST by a large margin during playoff hockey, it's the worst thing a team can have under the cap, since players can entirely be paid for the reg season performance. This is (supposed) to be every GM's wet dream : a player that can have a very very reasonable long term contract in part because he is not producing like, say, a Mitch Marner, but who either keep the same pace during the playoffs while having much much more impact overall, or even elevate his game. Just look at Tor for many examples for MAD reg producer that are paid Mcdavid money but then are nowhere as good during the playoffs or when being clutch is important. Although Marner is definitely in his own league and THE poster childs of such players and playoff cap waste. The man you is CURRENTLY paid 11M will still ask for more cash pointing to his reg season production, while having clearly zero answer as to why he only managed to produce FOUR goals in his last 35 games lol. He will be looking for a contract that only the Leafs might give him (like 13.5M+ O_o). Oh, and when not producing, Marner cannot really help in other ways... So since he has the production of a SUPERSTAR, is PAID LIKE ONE (unlike Slaf that probably will be sign long term for about half the price). If only playoff were concerned, he's already be paid 2-3 times what he's worth. Worse (yes it does get worse lol), Marner only ever had ONE GOAL outside of games #1 and 2# since 18', and from an already mediocre production, the same pattern emerge every single year; his production PLUMMETS even harder from games 5 to 7. It's being anti clutch to the next level man, the most unclutched anti-clutch player I've ever seen. So insane it is, given his current and next cap hit, given his reg season superstar production, given the clear as glass drop in production the more important to win a game is, that you guys NEED to see that stat line. Just have have a look at the horror of having a regular season phenom player production-wise and thus paid 11M and then get the following when it actually matter. Marners Playoff Career since 18- • ⁠Game 1s: 4 G and 5 A in 8 games • ⁠Game 2s: 4 G and 7 A in 8 games • ⁠Game 3s: 0 G and 8 A in 8 games • ⁠Game 4s: 0 G and 9 A in 7 games • ⁠Game 5s: 0 G and 4 A in 7 games • ⁠Game 6s: 1 G and 1 A in 6 games • ⁠Game 7s: 0 G and 2 A in 4 games How does this all relate to Slaf? Well, it's basically to show that production isn't the only metric to judge a player's overall projection, and that in some cases (Marner being the extreme example here), bloated regular season point production, most from 100% blowouts games, can be an insane waste of precious cap IF it's not at least half as good during the playoffs. And if production is basically the only use you have for your team, and that it's already divided in 3 as soon as the postseason starts, and then goes ENTIRELY POOF when beyond game #4 of any given playoff round, you're worse than useless because his cap could be used to pay an entire 3rd line or 2 top 4 def, etc. Slaf has the physical attributes to still be useful. It's stuff that MSL repeatedly said to want Slav to get down before having the pressure to produce (BTW, being tall & big doesn't equal "being physical"; no, it's a conscious effort to use your body to complement your game in such a way. Matthews is a big boy for instance, but famously NOT "physical" in the way he plays. EVEN the smallest of players like Cole have to learn to not be a one trick pony if coached by MSL. It's often better to have a balance of skills and players combos to play well as unit than it is to only focus on total offence - knowing full well that there is almost ZERO space in the playoffs for the perfect snipe or pass with how a considerably tighter and more physical things are, with A LOT more trash goals from a team effort to push on all area than the highlight type of goals that are the bread and butter from teams like Toronto... So again, to answer your question, I don't think that Slaf is projected to be a PPG player, more like 50-70 (again, Krider is a good example), which mean that we will be able to sign him long term on a VERY affordable contract, but an MVP first line player on all other aspects of his game, one that I think will not only translate well but be elevated during the playoffs. Suzuki is basically a PPG player already, and thus set the bar when it comes to contracts from drafted and/or young players developed in-house, which is AWESOME... It's a bit less than 8M for your captain and 1a/1b center that is now a PPG player. It's the model to justify discounts that would be harder to pull off elsewhere, especially in a Canadian team. Sure we signed him in the hope that he would become the player that he is, and not what he was, but still, I tell you guys it's a big bargaining chip for sure. I'd rather see zero Habs in leaderboards but have a more complete/balanced overall team without putting half of the cap on the the shoulder of 4 players, etc. Oh and btw, as much as I myself had been critical on how Slav started his developpement, the lack of international participation, no AHL, etc... In the end it might have been a genius decision because we will have the right to sign an extension sooner, which could end up being A LOT cheaper the sooner we do it. I think it's at 21 yo instead of 22 that we'll be able to sign him I think? At this rate he'll still be improving A LOT so imagine if we can sign him for like 5-6M long term. Honestly things are coming together. He was our best player against NY last night, and Cole again is showing how more complete he is becoming. Suzuki never saw a year of regression so far. The total he got last year was despite everything was a coup de force, but still kept improving steadily his production. Why should it stop at being a PPG player?

[@russell-di8js]

Hab's fanbase are popstar fanatical about Slaf, Read their comments & i swear he'll be seen walking across a lake of French wine some time soon. From a neutral though he's defo a great watch & some1 who seems to have relaxed into his role like u say he's still very young, living abroad & playing in the Hab's fishbowl under immense media & fan scrutiny & coming to embrace it all. I hope he continues to progress & keep good ppl around him & we will have a star (touchwood) for yr's to come

[@scummydummy]

Good for him. Im not a montreal fan but i liked the pick and assumed hed come into his own. Its like being 18, working in a kitchen.... of course, when i walked in i didnt know sh*t, didnt know how to do sh*t, didnt know where sh*t was..... then you give the person a few days and boom hes ur best employee

[@atajanofficial]

Bro that toe drag goal was so Nasty so underrated. Prove me its different from a Mathews snipe from that spot. This guy has the shot, which again only gonna get better. I personally think Slaf and Suzuki play well together but i think Armia would be a great 3rd, cuz he can hold the puck, also big, and sees the ice well, has an awesome shot too. Caufield can have MTL make him his own line, maybe with Dach or something.

[@prezidentjeff]

Haven't seen the Habs develop a big star forward since what, Stephane Richer? I like this kid a lot he'll be a force to be reckoned with if he figures it out

[@vidvad]

What shock me is that he's both confident and down to earth. Watching his interviews and practices, you realize that he wants to learn and improve. It's never about being cocky. That's what will make him a great player in this league.

[@coconyt3623]

He's certainly in that ballpark of players that could just rocket off any season and become one of the league-wide top scorers, but until he does or if he doesn't, he'll still be a very good top-6 guy as you alluded to. Good to see. Looking forward to the Habs' reneissance.

[@phamos73]

He's only 19 years old and still growing into that frame of his. Been living and cooking for himself since the age of 14. There's a great amount of maturity on his end and give the kid a few more years to fully develop. His style of play reminds me of Jean Beliveau. Not the fastest skater but very effective and a potential leader on the ice. There's a bright future ahead.

[@vlads.3192]

Some players simply need more time to adjust... I believe, he will be a big thing in couple of years. Bedard is not showing much yet also and he has been hyped much more. The pressure has to be enormous on such players

[@sheld44]

When we drafted him I thought he would be a 60pt power foward. But he's showing all the tools to be a point per game player in 4-5 years time. His impact goes beyond the points too. He forechecks hard and has good defensive awareness.

[@downsouthherc6638]

Yes he is the real deal, 1st and foremost, his size is the X factor, and once his physical maturation is on full display, he will be a force, his ability to see the ice, his positioning is natural and his ability to shadow himself also makes him relax in key situations. All this will bode well for the Habs hopefully for a long time to come.

[@des5714]

I feel the habs are developing him so well (for the most part). Keeping him in the show instead of sending him down to Laval was a great idea!

[@JediMasterZao]

I think that 19 pts over 21 games is a pretty good sample when the total sample size is 90-so games. I don't think this is a flash in the pan, I think this is the kind of player he will be... and that means he should at least flirt with PPG.

[@jordandesouza1497]

We’ll see if he turns into a star, doesn’t strike me as a player who can dominate and carry a line but he can put up 80-90 points being the guy who wins puck battles for the other guys on his line. Strikes me as a landeskog/Rantanen type player where they compliment Makar and Mackinnon perfectly and he’s the perfect guy to play with Nick and Cole

[@gp1237]

Just like winter in GOT... JURAJ IS COMING.

I want this T-shirt

[@vladimirsvabik6820]

1st of all, big credit to GM Hughes that he went against the tide and picked Slaf first and not Wright as everyone was expecting. We can now safely say it was the right choice. Also when Slaf was asked at the pre draft interview, what animal he sees himself as, he said he is wolf because they like to hunt as a packs. He clearly wants to be a team player and not just superstar. Mr. Hughes did his homework on this guy very well. The only way Habs can progress to play offs is to have the good mix of team players and not individual superstar .

[@trevorconnatser6161]

It’s wild to me that there’s so many couch coaches that make assumptions about things they don’t know anything about, give the kid some time, he’s something special

[@martinlatour9311]

1:40 That picture is 🔥

[@keiton9512]

To me a hot streak is more attributed to luck. Lucky bounces, posts acting in your favour, incredible one off shots. The results we're seeing from him are the result of a fundamental game improvement.

[@josefharasek7487]

wtf is this 75 95 pts potential. he wont ever have most points in the nhl but he can be one of the best players. he does other stuff than just scoring and assisting

[@oasisbeyond]

Uh... if they have a great powerplay like last 10 games, and they all score and get assists, he can get 75 points easily. McDavid has most points in last 10 games, Suzuki is #2 and Slaf is 3rd. We will see l guess, l just want a Cup in the next 5 to 6 years.

[@bren7431]

(Habs fan who watches him every night) I’m not the type of person to rush labels onto people, but theres a few things that you didn’t even mention that are understated about his game. His board play and his ability to force turnovers are both extremely high level, he’s also extremely physical and loves to hit and finally the biggest thing about him when you add it to the other things is his mindset and work ethic. He’s working with development wizard Adam Nicholas all the time before and after practice and all he’s shown so far is steady improvement week to week, adding new tools to his game. I think before his most recent breakout I would’ve said he’ll be a really good player, now? I’m starting to see the elite upside coming through. He has so many tools and weapons to use to be effective in a game and he’s capable of completely taking over. If he progresses like this, in a couple of years he’ll be an absolute monster

[@jean-philippedoyon9904]

Slafkovsky is unique so he's difficult to analysis realistically. There are no set archetype for the kind of player he is developing into. Like you take Shane Wright and it was pretty much Ryan O'Reilly or Patrice Bergeron, you take Lane Hutson, it's Makar or Fox. But there are no 6'3 235lb drafted at 18 years old with his skill set ?!? The closest might be Tage Thompson for the size but Slafkovsky seems to have more tools , and Mikko Rantanen but he can pass too...I think for certain, he will be a top 6, but a superstar it's too soon since we don't know what the final product is gonna be. However it's a joy to see his development !!

[@andreschavez9671]

IT's only Slavkovsky's second year. Reminds me of Sebastian Aho. Slavkovsky is definitely on his way, he could really arrive next year like Aho did in his third year

[@AceMatthew25414]

Hes the best player on Montreal in 2-3 years with atleast PPG with 90+ point potential. That first line is what 22 average age? Even Suzuki is still developing. Im ready for the "typical Habs fan" "Habs homer" like responses but he has looked like our best play driver recently, never seen a player develop so much so quickly. Slaf has had more development in the last 2 months then another Habs European top 3 pick has had in 6 years.

[@micahpearl2021]

The kid is 19. He's breaking teenager records in Montreal!!! I hope he's a superstar but at worst his floor is a consistent big , smart 20 goals, 40pts a year... For 10 more years lol 🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟

[@shootstraight91]

People saying he's a bust are talking nonsense, Do I believe he's a generational talent, I don't think so, but if you look at how he improved this season especially his vision and understanding on the ice I would say he improved a lot and has much more room to improve. I would like to see him using his size more but I think focusing on his passing and hockey IQ at this stage of his career is probably more beneficial in the long run.

[@DragAmiot]

I think he will be a star if he keeps showing up, being a presence on the ice and continues to seek to get better and better. That last point is what has me the most impressed. Everybody needs to chill and let him work with the team and the coaches. He's not even 20

a Superstar is his ceiling

[@sweetspleen795]

He's elite level potential.

[@roopetuukkanen1894]

he's gonna be one of the best 2 way forwards in the league, as a WINGER. Reminds me of mostly Centers like Barkov and Kopitar, can't say i've seen a winger like him. Point per game is most likely close to his ceiling, if he improves above that hes one of the best players in the league simply because of his defensive play and the potential to grow in that department too.

[@roopetuukkanen1894]

Also people talking about his ceiling being a mere 50-60 points completely forget that hes still 19.

[@greatslavia9662]

​@@roopetuukkanen1894 straight facts

[@carsonsillito]

I hope slav develops into a star. But for now, its good to see him starting to fill his role and get better

[@yevgeniyivanov9340]

Just picked him up in fantasy .. pls Juraj dont let me be the curse , keeep errr going

[@jeanregaudie]

And remember that the kid is only 19. I believe he is just starting and the selling is way above.

[@kieranperreaultdit-morin9262]

He’s poised for a big season next season, hoping he stays healthy (not even a habs fan but their forwards are fun to watch)

[@mirtir472]

Tbh, i would not be surprised if he manage to get about 80 point/year and even reach 100

[@xJMFx]

I hope they don't change the first line trio Slaf-Nick-Cole. Those are 1st round picks so they have to work it out. I believe in the next 2 or 3 years they will be more powerful.

[@theoneandonlyyezus9365]

Slafkovsky will be a 40 goals 75 pts player he's great on both ways and his game will polish with the years

[@jacp5628]

You're right, a month ago I had my doubts about him being a true first line player but after what I've seen of him as of late I've got no doubts he's going to be a star. He's been an absolute bulldog out there.

[@runa_7022]

slaf is my boy i will defend him until my dying day, i will not accept criticism from anyone

[@VGCAlex]

i see our current top line being 60-70 point guys consistently in the NHL and I'm honestly happy with that every now and then one of them is gonna pop off and put up a PPG season now Kent just has to fill out that second line with good wingers for Dach and well have a solid top 6. if we somehow end up with 2 lines of consistent 50-60-70 point guys id say our rebuild was a success. i believe in what Kent's got going on , I was a Slaf doubter at the draft, so I'll just let Kent cook and theres a bright future opver here in montreal!

[@dzd__2216]

I would love to be able to see this team matching once

[@Habsfan0]

I will remain cautiously optimistic with Slafkovsky. I must admit that I really like what I'm seeing. If he can finish this season with 45 points, I'll be happy.

[@thepissfountain]

I've been saying it since day 1. Slafkovsky will be the best powerforward in the league in 2-3 years top. This year, having Kirby Dach injured, wich was supposed to be his linemate, he had to play with one of the best physical powerforward in the league: Josh Anderson (Sadly, not his season at all) Having played and CARRIED that line with Anderson while he had cement in his gloves gave Slafkovsky the experience and confidence he needed.

[@francisdenoncourt545]

I was at the game last night and he could have a hat trick. He was always alone on pp near the faceoff dot but Matheson never passed to him. It felt disrespectful, I mean he ( Matheson )was only passing to Suzuki who was barely open. I understand about the "plan" but at 3-0 after 5 pp come on just try it !!

[@bouds22]

This kid is 19!! He’s only going to Get stronger, this kid is going to be a beast for the habs

[@neseirf70]

Star. Definitely going to be a superstar! Question is can the Candians hang on to him.... I sure hope so!

[@brentwoods7450]

ive talked some shit on Slaf, his last 15 games are making me eat my words. His move to the top line, and the chemistry between him, Suzuki and Cole has been a huge difference. His vision in the last 5 or so games has been really surprising. I hope he can keep this up

[@steveciancone8941]

Last time I checked his game logs, he’s been putting up points consistently for quite a few weeks now, so he looks to be on the uptrend

[@philtess3126]

He never needed to compared to all the other 1st overall. He just needs to be amongst the best of his draft year and he's been exactly that.

[@jojowass442]

If you have the chance to watch MTL game. Look how Matheson is just ignoring Slafkovsky on the powerplay

[@DangerDavez]

Slaf started to break out the very moment he was paired with Suzuki. He went from being a perimeter player to a power forward and I think a lot of that is due to having confidence in his linemates and not feeling like he has to be the primary play driver. He finally has a clear defined role that suits his game. Slaf is so good at board battles and forechecking that it gives Suzuki a lot more room to operate. You cannot give Suzuki any room or he'll create a grade A scoring chance. Scouts were clearly correct when they drafted him to compliment Suzuki.

[@ainarsgross6329]

Who remembers Zip line ZUBRUS - Zholtok - Petrov

[@frankieferro1663]

what is it now 19 pts in his last 22 games at 19 years old? he certainly has 70+ pt potential

[@greatslavia9662]

60-70 pts is the floor imo

[@antoineshousha1885]

i am and will always be a slaf fan, so do i think hes arrived, no one or two more seasons and i think he'll be a monster on the ice

[@baloneykid890]

I think if we’re seeing this type of enormous improvement only in his second year in the nhl his ceiling is very high. Like you said I don’t think it’s luck, I think he just got up to speed of the nhl and I think in the next seasons he’s gonna push his skills even more. 90+ points potential.

[@joshmyers8994]

With the way he has been improving on literally every criticism people have on him, I think he can be a star. He has the ultimate mindset to be a top tier athlete.