Juraj Slafkovsky: one of the only players his size to play at 18

Juraj Slafkovsky may not have impressed in his NHL debut, but he did a good job. In fact, very few players start playing on the Bettman circuit at the age of 18, and even fewer of his stature do.

In fact, Juraj Slafkovsky finished as the NHL’s 5th highest scorer in 2022-23 among players measuring 6’3″ or more and weighing 235 lbs or more.

Most points from a forward 6’3+, 235lbs+ this season:

75 – Alex Ovechkin
50 – Anders Lee
26 – Nick Ritchie
19 – Milan Lucic
10 – Juraj Slafkovsky
8 – Elmer Soderblom

20 years ago he was the best prospect in the world – he’s still dominating. pic.twitter.com/C3ezyMMFas

– Big Head Hockey (@BigHeadHcky) July 24, 2023

Still, there were some excellent players in front of him, which didn’t help his cause. We’re talking about Alex Ovechkin and Anders Lee, who all have a big impact on their respective lineups. Nick Ritchie and Milan Lucic are the other two ahead of him with many more games played.

On top of that, he only played 39 games in 2022-23, as his season was hampered by injury. Had he played the entire season, I’m willing to bet he would have finished third on this list.

As we said, Slafkovsky’s age is an important factor in his performance. Playing at 18 is exceptional and very difficult to adapt to. With more playing time, it’s certain that he’ll be able to join the best.

In fact, if we look at the statistics of all the players on this list at the age of 18, we get a completely different result.

Same stat-line except from when these guys were 18 years old:

10 – Juraj Slavkovsky
0 – Anders Lee
0 – Alex Ovechkin
0 – Milan Lucic
0 – Nick Ritchie
0 – Elmer Soderblom

We really haven’t seen a prospect this big play this early in the NHL before. pic.twitter.com/8K7FG8ABRq

– Big Head Hockey (@BigHeadHcky) July 24, 2023

None of these players began their careers before the age of 19, with the exception of Slafkovsky. Ovechkin would have played at 18 if not for the lockout, but we all know that the CH prospect will probably never reach the legendary prowess of number 8.

It just goes to show that Slafkovsky’s 10 points are already more than many players of his size at 18, and that he needs time to adjust.

The best example is Joe Thornton, who scored just 7 points in 55 games in his rookie season at 18. 7!!!!

He still had a career worthy of the Hockey Hall of Fame.

So stop judging players in their rookie season, especially when they’re 18! Juraj Slafkovsky should be back with the Habs next season, and I’m willing to bet he’ll have a much bigger impact.