Hockey

Combine: the Habs player everyone wants to play with is Juraj Slafkovský
Félix Forget
Combine: the Habs player everyone wants to play with is Juraj Slafkovský
Credit: Getty Images

Right now, the prospects for the next draft are in Buffalo for the league's Combine. They're taking part in various physical tests, but above all, they're meeting teams from the Bettman circuit.

It's a big week for these youngsters, who are often challenged by the teams. And as we all know, the Habs have a reputation in this area.

The prospects also take the opportunity to talk to the media, and Anthony Martineau and Nicolas Cloutier do an excellent job for TVA Sports. They talk to the youngsters about a variety of subjects… and the Habs are obviously one of them.

Martineau, for example, often asks the kids who would be an ideal line-mate for the Habs… and according to what he reported this lunchtime, all the forwards he chatted to named Juraj Slafkovský in answer to that question.

Not Nick Suzuki, not Cole Caufield, not Ivan Demidov: Juraj Slafkovský.

And that's surprising, considering that Slaf is criticized quite a bit more often than the others in Montreal. He's far from hated, of course, but he's often criticized for his inconsistency and long periods of inactivity.

And the fact that he often starts his seasons a few months late, but that's another story.

For a player, however, the idea of playing with Slaf is a good one, given that he's a big guy who, on his good nights, is capable of playing physical while standing out for his talent.

If you're still wondering why the Habs chose the Slovak in the first place, you have a good part of the answer here: he has a rare profile, but he's also the kind of player other players like to play with.

Slafkovský isn't a perfect player, I'm not telling you otherwise. That said, to see him be an ideal linemate in the eyes of all the prospects at the Combine, just goes to show what a great player he is for his linemates.

And if he can find just a little more consistency, the Habs will really be driving… and who knows, maybe they can even use their former first overall pick as an argument to convince some guys to come play in town.


In Overtime

– A.J. Greer won't play tonight, but he's “on track” for Game #3.

– The guys are ready.

– Drake Batherson won't be leaving Ottawa.

– Things aren't looking good for the 2023 champions.

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