Montreal Canadiens unhappy with Juraj Slafkovsky
Montreal Candiens new general manager Kent Hughes had some surprising comments about his new number one overall pick Juraj Slafkovsky. According to Hughes, he is looking for better more consistent play from Slafkovsky and stated that he found his game «underwhelming.» Not exactly the news you want to hear from your general manager about your new number one draft choice. On the other hand, Slafkovsky is only eighteen years old. Very few players transition to the NHL as an eighteen year old. So he may need time to develop and Montreal would be wise to be patient with him. Likely they're not completing for a Stanley Cup this season anyways.
Hughes even suggested that it is possible that Slafkovsky could see some time in Laval in the American Hockey League. It is not uncommon for high draft picks to develop in the American League. It helps give players the confidence and time to enhance their skills at the pro level.
It certainly sounds like Slafkovsky has the talent and the size to be a star for Montreal for a long time. The question is, when will that happen? Rather than rush Slafkovsky, Montreal would do well to not put too much pressure on the youngster. He's already has the pressure of being a number one overall pick and playing in one of hockey's toughest markets. Also, the preseason is also not over. Perhaps Slafkovsky will have a chance to put on a better show during the games that Montreal has left so there is time for him. If it does not go well ,it does seem that it is likely that Slafkovsky might not be on Montreal's roster on opening night. Let's hope they are carefully with their highly thought of prospect and he is given a chance to develop in the minors with lots of ice time and later see him become a star in Montreal.
| POLL | ||
Did the Canadiens make the right choice at 1st overall? | ||
| Yes, they did | 133 | 58.6 % |
| No they should have drafted someone else | 94 | 41.4 % |
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