Nobody can criticize Juraj Slafkovsky incessantly now that he’s in second gear. His development, which was somewhat stagnant at the start of the season, took a sudden step forward over ten games ago. Slaf is now one of the Montreal Canadiens’ three best players since he took off, and that’s no mean feat.
The big No. 20 has collected no less than four points in his last five games, for a total return of 14 points in 37 games. That’s only two points (one game in hand) less than Jesperi Kotkaniemi, who had 12 points in his first 12 games…
Give it 5 more games max. pic.twitter.com/CzGhTyiQPX
– Max Paiement (@maximepaiement) January 3, 2024
The purpose of this brief post is not to pour my bile on KK, but simply to demonstrate how Slaf is becoming “something”.
But that’s not all. To add weight to what I’m saying, the Flannel’s No. 20 ranks in the same family as Connor Bedard and Adam Fantilli in points scored at 5-on-5 among players 21 and under.
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Most even-strength points by a player 21 or younger over their most recent five games. pic.twitter.com/oAlaGhfzfd
– Andrew Zadarnowski (@AZadarski) January 3, 2024
Bedard has seven points, Fantilli six and Slafkovsky six. He’s warming the buttocks of a generational player and the one who was drafted number 3 in the last amateur auction.
It’s been said time and time again, but every human being develops at his or her own pace, just like every young hockey player who gets thrown into the lion’s den at the age of 18 or 19. Nobody learns at the same pace.
In short, if Slaf keeps this up and Kirby Dach reaches his full potential, they could certainly take over the role of first “duo” in the Habs’ offense. Who knows?
In gusto
– Max Pacioretty officially makes his return to action, having not played in nearly a year.
Max Pacioretty will play his first game since January 19, 2023. It will be his first in a Capitals uniform 🙌 pic.twitter.com/8meQ4AoSrF
– RDS (@RDSca) January 3, 2024
– Congratulations to Josh Anderson!
Josh Anderson wins the Molson Cup for the month of December 🏆
Read ↓ #GoHabsGohttps://t.co/Kl1T03C899
– Montreal Canadiens (@CanadiensMTL) January 3, 2024
– We talk about Nick Suzuki’s aplomb through this podcast.
Out of the Zone, Season 5 | Episode 26: Nick Suzuki’s aplomb inspired his club https://t.co/ajWoLF5UIF
– La Presse Sports (@LaPresse_Sports) January 3, 2024
– Interesting stuff!
The grandson of Bobby Orr (Robert) will play in the next @tournoipeewee de Québec with the Palm Beach Hawks in class BB. However, the legendary defenseman’s presence in Quebec City is not yet assured. @tvaqc @TVASports
– Stéphane Turcot (@StephTurcotTVA) January 3, 2024