To say that Montreal Canadiens ahead Juraj Slafkovsky has been on a journey within the NHL is perhaps a bit wealthy. He was drafted in 2022 and is simply coming into his third season, one among which – his first – was reduce quick as a result of a knee harm. However signing an eight-year extension with a $7.6 million per season common worth modifications issues. Recent off the contract, what has his function been to this point in 2024-25? How has he helped or not? Let’s focus on.

Slafkovsky: The way it Began

How did we get right here? Wasn’t the Slovak’s rookie marketing campaign – pre-injury – a disappointment? Didn’t he rating solely 4 objectives within the first three months of 2023-24? That was lower than a 12 months in the past! Now the 20-year-old is without doubt one of the wealthiest Canadiens and followers are excited. 

Associated: Canadiens Defenders Must Alter to the System 

The again finish of final season helped tremendously, as Slafkovsky netted six instances in February and one other 5 instances in April. His hat trick in a late-season recreation at dwelling versus the Philadelphia Flyers demonstrated what he appears to be like like when he’s within the zone. Basically 50 p.c of his aim productiveness was tallied in two months because the ahead discovered his groove because the marketing campaign wore on. That was large information, a lot in order that normal supervisor Kent Hughes got here calling with the aforementioned deal in July.

Considered from a unique angle, an admittedly bitter one, given Patrik Laine’s long-term harm predicament, followers most likely will maintain on to Slafkovsky’s spectacular closing months of 2023-24 and belief that he will get even higher. Montreal paid him, then acquired one other offensive weapon through commerce, however now the relative strain to carry out is again on his shoulders.

Slafkovsky: The way it’s Going

There isn’t any sense in drawing dramatic conclusions after 4 video games performed. Even so, the information reveals how environment friendly he has been. A number of the figures are a bit bit shocking. Others reaffirm among the unsung qualities he can deliver to the ice on a nightly foundation. 

Due to the appreciable quantity crunching the individuals at MoneyPuck do, we’ve got a pleasant window into what Slafkovsky is doing by means of virtually two weeks of hockey this season. This seems like an excellent time to remind followers that the person is simply 20 years previous and hasn’t even performed two full seasons of top-flight hockey but. Perspective and context usually assist when assessing these issues. We’re additionally scripting this earlier than the Oct. 17 match towards the Los Angeles Kings.

He’s actually been concerned within the motion to this point this season, tallying 4 factors by means of the identical variety of matches, albeit with a trio of assists and just one aim. His plus/minus sits at plus-1, which is okay provided that the membership is minus-1.

Now, that he solely scored as soon as shouldn’t be a purpose to press the panic buttons. It’s solely 4 video games, and when a linemate like Cole Caufield goes ballistic (4 objectives), let the person cook dinner. 

It’s the anticipated objectives determine that stands out, amongst others. Slafkovsky is simply at 0.9. Even in his rookie marketing campaign, he was 4.4. The anticipated objectives per 60 minutes have additionally dipped barely, dropping from 0.9 to 0.78. The place issues get much more intriguing is that his shot makes an attempt per 60 minutes is at the moment 11.63, properly behind Caufield (18.33), burgeoning ahead Emil Heinemen (21.58), and Alex Newhook (13.81). Essentially the most eye-opening stat in that class is Brendan Gallagher’s “spray and pray” 20.48. 

Slafkovsky’s Toughness Is Key

Having seen the type of objectives the left-winger can hit and his depraved wrist shot, it could be good if he took extra makes an attempt on internet. That’s a good argument. That stated, the third-year professional is contributing in ways in which typically do and typically don’t present up on the stats sheet.

It begins with the great old school NHL hit. Habs supporters might love Arber Xhekaj’s toughness, however Salfkovsky presently leads the hit parade with a dozen to his identify. Justin Barron is available in second with eight. 

Moreover, anybody who has tuned into some Canadiens video games since final season has certainly seen that the 6-foot-3 ahead doesn’t take kindly to those that attempt to shove him round. In 2023-24, he completed eighth on the group in penalty minutes with 55. That’s to not counsel that he must be taking penalties or committing extra transgressions this season, however there’s a fireplace in him. 

Evaluating him with the Ottawa Senators’ Brady Tkachuk is perhaps a stretch, however there’s a kinship. The shapes are totally different however they’re reduce from the identical fabric. They’ll rating objectives, create assists for others, and fortunately have interaction in a post-whistle scrum alongside the boards ought to one spark. He’s not the right gentleman. If something, it is perhaps greatest to not mess with him as a result of he usually appears fairly open to messing with the opposition in return.

For a group that desperately must show toughness with a purpose to be taken extra severely, having an offensive expertise that isn’t afraid to get their palms a bit soiled is a big asset. To be clear, there is a crucial distinction to make between toughness and carelessness. Montreal doesn’t have to be a bottom-10 group in penalty minutes once more. However sending some messages in scrums and good, clear hits could make all of the distinction.

Because the season evolves, Slafkovsky might find yourself being vastly extra necessary to the Canadiens’ success than most would have anticipated. Not by scoring a ton extra objectives than anticipated or tallying extra assists (though these at all times assist) however by standing up for himself and his teammates as usually as he does. His multifaceted qualities as a hockey participant are a luxurious. Contemplating that Montreal would like to be within the postseason for the primary time in 4 seasons, it’s a luxurious they certainly relish.