Juraj Slafkovsky not interested in CMJ, believes Arpon Basu

Juraj Slafkovsky has had a rollercoaster start to the season. Sometimes good, sometimes invisible, he has yet to establish himself as a consistent player.

He’s improved since last year, of course, but there’s still a lot of work to be done. But not enough, apparently, to think about taking part in the World Junior Championship.

Because yes, even if some people forget, Slafkovsky still has one last chance to take part in the World Junior Championship.

Arpon Basu of The Athletic doesn’t believe the Slovak player has any interest in participating in the holiday tournament, if people were wondering. He said as much when answering questions in Anaheim.

That’s hardly surprising, considering that Laval wasn’t even an option at the start of the season when things weren’t going so well.

It should be remembered that Slafkovsky has never represented his country in this tournament, having not been sent last year by the CH.

If the Tricolore went that route this year, I’d be the first to be surprised. In fact, it simply wouldn’t make sense.

Montreal chose to keep him with the big club this season, and the team will have to prove to everyone that it made the right choice. It won’t happen this year, but in 4-5 years, we’ll have a clearer picture of what the best version of Juraj Slafkovsky will be.

So far this season, number 20 has scored two goals and three assists in 18 games. He will once again play to the left of Christian Dvorak tonight in Anaheim, as the CH looks to end a four-game losing streak.

In gusto

– A fine achievement.

Sean Monahan will play his 700th NHL game tonight against the Ducks! pic.twitter.com/GLpXT4cYf7

– Hockey 360 (@hockey360) November 23, 2023

– Another good game for Hutson.

#GoHabsGo prospect Luke Tuch has a chance to score an ENG but it’s blocked.

Big 3-2 win by BU, who was trailing 2-0 before the comeback.

2 point night for Lane Hutson, who now has 16 points in 12 games. pic.twitter.com/jZizN3OZ5D

– Marc Dumont (@MarcPDumont) November 23, 2023

– Full of confidence.

Lafrenière silences his detractors early in the season pic.twitter.com/vzV2JeHs53

– TVA Sports (@TVASports) November 23, 2023

– A disaster in Edmonton.

Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse gets a puck to head after it ricocheted off the cross bar during warmups. pic.twitter.com/nthNJVrEE5

– Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) November 22, 2023

– What a goal!

Benson goes in between the legs for his first NHL goal. Wow. 2-0 #LetsGoBuffalo #AllCaps pic.twitter.com/W6gyWi3sJm

– Buffalo Hockey Moments (@SabresPlays) November 23, 2023