Categories
Dans les coulisses

Slafkovsky in the same class as Bedard and Fantilli at a level

YouTube

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…

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.

(OBOXADSQ || []).push({“cmd”: “addBanner”});

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.

– Congratulations to Josh Anderson!

– We talk about Nick Suzuki’s aplomb through this podcast.

– Interesting stuff!