Juraj Slafkovsky continues to raise expectations

Vincent Larue
Juraj Slafkovsky continues to raise expectations
Credit: Mark LoMoglio/NHLI via Getty Images

The hype surrounding Juraj Slafkovsky has just reached a new level.

For several weeks now, he's been downright dominant. It's no longer just flashes here and there. He controls the game, dictates the pace, and is becoming difficult for opposing defensemen to contain.

On the ice, it's obvious. He wins his battles, protects the puck like a veteran, and, above all, he manages to control the game in the offensive zone. When Slaf is playing like this, he becomes a real problem… a dominant player.

It was in this context that Anthony Martineau made a rather bold statement on the Sick Podcast:

“Juraj Slafkovsky, at his peak, is a 40-goal guy.” – Anthony Martineau

Yes, 40.

And to be honest, it's not entirely unrealistic to say that today. The potential for a good power forward has always been there, but for a 40-goal scorer… a little less so. But now, it's hard to ignore this trajectory if he continues to be confident, involved, and—most importantly—start using his shot.

Pierre McGuire, for his part, told In The Afternoon:

“There aren't many power forwards better than Slafkovsky.” – Pierre McGuire

Now we can see that the conversation around Juraj Slafkovsky has shifted.

But are we getting a little too excited too soon?

Personally, I think so… but not that much either.

Slafkovsky's ceiling is enormous—there's no doubt about that. The combination of size and talent is rare and valuable. However, scoring 40 goals requires consistency over 82 games (84 starting next season) and impeccable health.

And we haven't seen that over a full season yet.

That said, I have no trouble saying that, right now, the Habs' number 20 is easily among the top three power forwards in the NHL. If he plays in the playoffs the way he played against the Tampa Bay Lightning in the last game, Slaf could be the Habs' most important player.

One important thing to remember about him:

We're no longer just talking about potential. We're starting to talk about real impact… and, eventually, dominance.

And for the Canadiens, that's probably the best news.


In a nutshell

– Impressive.

– Can't wait for June 11!

– It's already starting.

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