Juraj Slafkovsky may not finish the season as a member of the Montreal Canadiens after disappointing stretch
PUBLICATION
Liam
January 5, 2023 (8:34)
After an unexpectedly successful beginning of the season, the Montreal Canadiens have come back down to reality. With a record of 1-8-1 in their last ten games and the sit second last in the Eastern Conference. With the early season playoff hopes dashed, the Habs will look to further their rebuild.
The most important part of continuing their rebuild will be to develop their young players, with an obvious eye towards their first overall pick, Juraj Slafkovsky. Now, NHL insider Darren Dreger believes the Habs may be facing a tough decision with Slafkovsky.
The Canadiens are back home after a tough trip. See how the next couple of weeks go. Whether it's Slafkovsky or other younger players, I could see time in Laval if Montreal isn't able to right the ship. Better environment with focus on development.
Slafkovsky has been a little underwhelming so far this year. With only 4 goals and 10 points in 33 games, his production hasn't matched what you'd expect from a first overall pick. After this tough stretch of games and with Slafkovsky struggling, Dreger speculates it might be in his best interest to play some games with the Laval Rocket.
As Dreger says, it's in everyone's interest to have Slafkovsky play more minutes and dominate weaker competition if he is struggling at the NHL level. Instead of burning him out to attempt to win now, the Habs would be better off seeing a much improved Slafkovsky later this season, or even next season.
POLL |
JANVIER 5 | 144 ANSWERS Juraj Slafkovsky may not finish the season as a member of the Montreal Canadiens after disappointing stretch Should Juraj Slafkovsky be sent to the AHL? |
Yes it's best for development | 120 | 83.3 % |
No, he should be in the NHL | 24 | 16.7 % |
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