How Juraj Slafkovský Revolutionized the Habs' Power Play - Scouting Video & Analysis

Breaking down how Juraj Slafkovský helped turn the Montreal Canadiens' power play into one of the best in the league, and how the 2022 NHL Draft's first-overall pick has set himself up for long-term success in the NHL.
The Slovak winger is on a tear right now, with 22 points in his last 25 games and an active eight-game point streak - the longest in Habs history for a teenager.
Make sure to like the video and subscribe to the channel, and let me know in the comments how excited you are for this new development in Slafkovský's game!
Follow me on Twitter @HadiK_Scouting for prospects content, draft rankings, analysis and more!

[@AlbertLivingstone]

A lot of hockey channels just do lazy data presentation and call it analysis This is real hockey analysis

[@ktgmcq]

Or spew boring and lazy sound bites that don't mean anything.

[@user-bi6cl9rt9o]

@@ktgmcqI agree wholheartedly on this. Old cliches ("Caufield is one-dementional" is onr of my favorites) that are completely false, etc.

[@OrphanTraveler97]

Not really but okay dude can't define the playbook

[@morganhynes3796]

Great video

[@mashmarttv]

good call

[@ktgmcq]

Great video. Slaf is a future super star. No doubt.

[@mtlhabsss]

Kid’s doing fantastic but it has only been 2 months. We need to slow our expectations down.

[@ktgmcq]

@@mtlhabsssNo because what he's doing is exactly what scouts we saying he could BEFORE the draft. It's not like he's coming out of nowhere. His current success ismerely a (predictable) realisation of his overall potential and dedication. Numbers are nice, but they're better intepreted in context.

[@Galvaxatron]

Marty St-Louis was the perfect choice to coach this rebuild. He was my favourite player while active and I supremely excited that he is now part of the Habs family. Legendary move by Hughes.

[@gabtesscie]

That's such a good analyse that I'm scared other NHL teams are gonna look at it

[@adegliangeli]

habs shall sign him for 8 years

[@gabtesscie]

@@adegliangeli i'll allow it

[@kodiakplayerno5]

even if they pick it up theres not much you can do in pk it's like choose your poison, cover slaf? suzuki or caufield will be more open. Cover more caufield? well now slaf will be more open. Cover 2 of them the center will be more open for defencement to drop low and shot.

[@rebeltvr6046]

NHL teams already know this. But can they stop it? Ovi, Kucherov have been dominating for a long time playing similarly and no one's figured them out.

[@emmvee2932]

brilliant point!!

[@rockinrodlittle]

Well done. I’ve watched every game this year. Slaf’s learning the game quickly. His hand speed getting and dishing off pucks is the top end NHL

[@auri5459]

i dont think Slaf is even learning anything new, this are all stuff he already knew but was hindered from doing it effectively by his lack of confidence, the biggest difference i see on him is his confidence.

[@BlueFlash25]

Puck retrieval is the most underrated skill in hockey, Slav is already one of the best in the NHL and in 5 years he will be unstoppable.

[@TheReloadedd]

Probably the best video analyzing players. Great job man keep it up

[@codekhalil6437]

I've never seen a hab have the growth on the pace of Slaf. Not for a long long time In the case of Caufield, he already had established tools. Juraj just seemed to have size and the default NHL skills. But now you can see he is so much more... And growing everyday. Let's not forget the fact that he is a total puck retrieving dog. And from what I recall, this is exactly the main reason Montreal drafted him. Lastly, we have to give Alex Burrows his fair dues. The power Play just doesn't come alive by itself. Future looks bright

[@rebeltvr6046]

Great video. Slaf is a beast in the making.

[@emmvee2932]

Awesome break down. I absolutely agree with everything you said and you showed it all perfectly.

[@1spago]

Overall more confident that's it he knew this last year but was scared to make mistakes he was hiding behind players he didn't want the pass now the game is all about him

[@Taooflu]

To me Slaf is also the culmination of an organization finally doing it right - we’ve had some good players over the past 10 years but no greats except arguably Price. We need a few more like Slaf to keep growing!

[@CrackerBarrelXheese]

Great breakdown! Appreciate the dive into his improved habits. It’s been amazing to watch him progress this year. Right from preseason it was obvious that he had taken a leap, especially with his scanning (which you immediately identified iirc on Twitter!) and since then it’s just been a fun ride as he incorporates more tools

[@bernardgabriel6421]

Wow awesome video. GO SLAF

[@adam4p]

Great analysis...Thank you

[@nilsbrown7996]

Wonderful video. The pressure on Burrows must have been enormous, almost crushing, to get all this happening, and on the everyone there to get some Juray success this year. Passed with flying colours, *especially* our new star himself.

[@ktgmcq]

Burrows is doing a great job.

[@BubbleGumPlant]

Your video is better than the elite prospects one.

[@HadiK_Scouting]

I wouldn’t go that far 😅 David is a friend and easily one of the best analysts I know!

[@ktgmcq]

They're both great. I barely watch anything else.

[@omarrezk8605]

Great video!

[@nicflorant4633]

Plus 1 subscriber! Great explanation and analysis

[@janpavlik3664]

He is still a teenager. Dont forget it. He can be only better and better. Every day

[@OrphanTraveler97]

Nah ppl can change for the worst. He's at a entry level contract don't judge a man when he's comfortable

[@ktgmcq]

@@OrphanTraveler97Bad hair day?

[@nilsbrown7996]

If the engine didn’t fire up in this season for Slaf, a disappointing career would be almost inevitable. Management got best value out of St. Louis, and it would seem especially, Burrows. Well done all.

[@JJ-ql1ug]

Imagine him in 3 -4 years from now , stronger, more confident, and experienced.

[@dominik_6991]

Amazing compilation bro. You made my heart warm

[@mannyo2909]

Excellent analysis 🍻

[@Doppps]

Well done!

[@QPLAY-dw7lb]

Nice analysis ❤

[@jacojak1]

Thanks for the video! Well done

[@sakttan]

Excellent content! Thanks!

[@gabrielfaubert]

The video I was waiting for! Thanks 💯

[@alex51400]

Insane video bro, so good

[@floodedmind634]

great vid man

[@F2PMatione]

great analysis👍

[@Mirrale]

Very nice breakdown

[@SimonLedsham]

Great vid!

[@mariotencer5112]

People like to compare Slaf to Bedard. Remember they’re two different players so they’re incomparable but they have one thing in common. They’re stars already n will only get better these two. Can’t wait to watch them in two or three years time. Greetings from Slovakia 🇸🇰

[@Vlado-id7wy]

I am pretty sure, that Bedard will be more productive than Slaf. But it is not just about the points, Slaf could have more impact for the game, especialy during play off. Look at the McDavid, the best player in NHL but still without cup.

[@BaconNationChannel]

I think they hit with Slaf as #1, hopefully Reinbacher develops into one as well!

[@slimdejvid]

2:30 just pissed me off, i remember screaming like crazy. It was 2:30am and i woke up my dad... well played n.8. Love from Slovakia

[@kenevinparent2314]

It's actually a running joke in the Habs community that Matheson barely ever passes to Slaf.

[@kodiakplayerno5]

@@kenevinparent2314 Matheson love to shoot it's well known and sometime he get tunnel vision for his shot. Next year probably we will have some offensive firepower with guhle Mailloux and a hard maybe Reinbacher

[@ktgmcq]

I do the same every time. It's insane. I hope coaches have a talk with Matheson.

[@slimdejvid]

@@kenevinparent2314 yeah, i know. 😂

[@faunbudweis]

@@kodiakplayerno5 Hutson

[@oasisbeyond]

I called a long time ago play him on the first, it's now all clicking, all of them can get 80 points+. But, we need to see next year. It's the funnest line to watch in 30 years.

[@mgyb8269]

Slaf has been a monster on the PP, but I wouldn't say he "revolutionized" it. He's just become a more consistent valid option which opens up the ice for everyone. He's great at retrieving pucks though, no doubt about that. Also can't forget the dimension having Newhook back in the line up and playing the bumper spot brings. I think it's more of a team thing rather than one guy. Still a good analysis though, Slaf going to be a real problem in the coming years hehe.

[@stenlis]

I'd say he revolutionized it. 3 months ago the PP1 would enter the zone, pass a bit around, get a shot off and then 50% of the time a shot would mean they lose the zone. Nowadays habs regularly spend 1 minute and more parked in the offensive zone on the PP, sometimes even the whole 2 minutes. And it's not just that Slaf retrieves the puck. The PK unit often doesn't even try to get the lose puck cause they'd rather conserve energy than battle it out with Slaf for a 5% chance to get the puck. The PP1 now looks like it's a completely different team compared to PP1 in November (when Newhook was still there)

[@OrphanTraveler97]

​@@stenlisyou don't know what a L forecheck is.. if I were yall I'd learn the playbook... start understanding management the history of the sport.. etc.. before claiming stuff. Yall don't know hockey and have the audacity to use words like "revolutionized the PP" .. weirdos

[@ktgmcq]

@@stenlisCorrect. I'm now expecting the PP to score every time they get on the ice. I like that MSL sometimes double-shifts the first wave.

[@jamesj6597]

KZbin is also a business. "Revolutionized" will get more views than "consistent valid option."

[@mgyb8269]

@@stenlis "Revolutionized" would be creating something never seen before. All Slaf is doing is making the PP actually look competent after years of mediocre PP. Again though, the PP really started to click once Newhook came back in the lineup.

[@antoniom4099]

Slafzilla is gonna be a killas. Can’t wait til we see him in the playoffs. Now, we have to get the D playing better.

[@Seantzo]

You mean he fixed their powerplay.

[@ryanlinder6442]

HABS❤

[@vicdamon3551]

Not even a habs fan but love to see high draft picks turn it around after getting labeled a bust. Byfield and lafrieniere too

[@alex51400]

LETS GO BABY

[@AlexVachon]

I hope you also write poetry. Subscribed!

[@art333-dg8dd]

you are rt i have not seen a canadian in a long time be able to retreve the puck and pas it to one of his players on a regular basis

[@kajaksb]

my favorite asmr

[@cromagnoneightyseven6951]

8x7.7 periodical

[@Dennis-ff2pf]

He reads and reacting he is getting better at seperating the puck from the other player and he does easy just a bump at 240 lbs.

[@richardtlstovic5027]

Dočkáte sa v roku 2025. Bude play of. Všetky poznatky ktoré máma na Slovensku,všetko zapadá a ukazuje sa že v ďalšej sezóne bude playof.pozdrav fans zo Slovenska.

[@annihilationHaven]

The real change is management, they have never trusted young players into big roles with the habs for decades. Mind you, it's still not working as they sit 26th in the league, but you can tell with 5 or 6 more pieces they will be a legit contender.

[@oasisbeyond]

Cuz the other 3 lines are 4th and 5th lines. Obviously they need 3 more on se one line. They need to get a Superstar in next 2 years to make good players, look great.

[@ledsabbazepplath3889]

Bobrov cooked

[@robertlegault9226]

He's still not as polished and as strong as he will become which is crazy! Another thing that's crazy is adding Lane Hutson and Mailloux to the power play.😅

[@richardtlstovic5027]

Presne tak ,konečne dostane Slaf nahrávku od obráncu.

[@nutkum8700]

MSL geniality -> 1 line students

[@Bet-vx3fg]

This is MSL school

[@adegliangeli]

MSL is awesome

[@AndyI222]

Lol

[@HandShakeLineRespect]

16 goals in 94 games 🤣

[@theonlyraid8372]

a 19 year old taking 1.5 seasons to figure out his game at the NHL is nothing new. He has been almost PPG for the past like 20

[@HandShakeLineRespect]

@@theonlyraid8372 look at all the rookies from this season alone who are on a better trajectory than him.

[@theonlyraid8372]

@@HandShakeLineRespectIf Slaf was considered a rookie this season, he would be 4th in the points race. He was injured for more than half his rookie season so I would consider this development pretty solid.

[@HandShakeLineRespect]

@@theonlyraid8372 But he’s not. He’s played almost double the games compared to the rookies. Stop trying to make up scenarios, just like Caufield is a 40 goal scorer 😂

[@theonlyraid8372]

​@@HandShakeLineRespectDamn you really have a hate boner for the habs lol. He is 19 with 30 points in 55 games. Caufield is 22 and developing nicely with 45 points in 55 games. Unless you have a time machine, you cannot talk in certainty about the future of these players. Take your bias and fuck off

[@pliiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii]

But the Habs still suck and have sucked for the last 20 plus yyears I dont watch them anymore because its ALWAYS the same ygear after year THey suck

[@bondjames652]

He's no star and never will be. He's a 3rd line plumber and nothing more.

[@richardtlstovic5027]

Si trapný a vytiahni si hlavu zo zadku a otvor oči. Inštalatér.

[@OrphanTraveler97]

Idk wtf you're watching my guy I'm a scout this kid has gained more ease became more comfortable but he's not doing much. You're exaggerating by lots.

[@ledsabbazepplath3889]

“I’m a scout” Sure, sure….. By the way, Hadi is a real scout lol

[@JaStargazer]

Hadi meant a hockey scout, not a boy scout, but do tell us your totem.

[@OrphanTraveler97]

@@JaStargazer hadi can't even define a L forecheck or Montréal face-off without using Google stop it

[@MarvoloRipley]

Aaaand there you are again under another Slaf video, OMG @OrphanTraveler97🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 I swear to God tell us where did MTL hurt you ?

[@JediMasterZao]

He's like a PPG in his last 25 games as a 19 y.o... not doing much lmao.

[@bondjames652]

Why did Nax Domi do so well in MTL When you figure that out you will understand. Did you think Slav is better than Domi? He's not and he's over evaluated. All you nincompoops look at points and nothing else. Shame.

[@pavolsadlon7183]

How do you know @bondajames652 that he is or won’t be better then Domi? Slaf is only 19. You can write such a comment after 2-3 years not now.. NOT NOW!!!!

[@bondjames652]

​@@pavolsadlon7183 Slavkosky will get 2 points in a game and cost his line mates 4. Caulfield hates playing him because he knows he's costing him... What's worse is the people think he's amazing... He's not even close. Caulfield is losing his mind... Something is going to give. Trust me. Either Cole will be moved to another line or Slav will move.

[@theonlyraid8372]

@@bondjames652 Where did you read that Caufield hates playing with him? Ive heard the opposite from many sources

[@richardtlstovic5027]

Mne povedal včera v Bratislave , že je rád že hrajú spolu a môže sa niečo nové naučiť od Jura.

[@richardtlstovic5027]

Domi nebude nikdy dobrý hokejista, svojou zákernou a brutálnou hrou si lieči komplex menejcennosti.

[@trevmac8362]

Absolute *BUST*

[@travelista7572]

You? For sure.