When the Canadiens drafted Juraj Slafkovský first overall in 2022, they did so with one clear goal in mind: to capitalize on his potential to become a dominant player in big games. By going for a player with such an imposing frame who was also talented, the club wanted to get its big power forward.
These are rare and precious commodities on the Bettman circuit.
And after three years, one thing is clear: when Slaf plays big hockey, he’s capable of being that player. He still needs to find consistency, but the Habs have something in their hands.
That’s why, for many people (myself included), Slafkovský is possibly the most important piece in Montreal, for one simple reason: the club really needs the Slovak to develop to his full potential in order to become a contender.
David Savard, now a former teammate of Slaf’s, also shares this opinion: in his opinion, if Slafkovský doesn’t become that player who performs game after game, it’s going to be difficult for the Habs to win. That’s what he said in an interview with Mario Langlois (98.5 Sports).
Savard recognizes that a dominant Slafkovský is a game-changer for the Habs. Seeing him able to win battles for the puck along the boards makes it easier for guys like Cole Caufield and Lane Hutson to work their magic.
The Québécois even adds that Slaf is a quiet leader who, when he’s involved in a game, makes the rest of the group a little more so. Seeing him set the tone physically motivates the other players to do the same.
At the moment, the Slovak has just completed a 51-point season, following on from his 50-point season the year before. It’s a good start, but now he’ll have to pick up another gear. And above all, start his season in October rather than February, as he himself admits.
Slaf is still young, and there’s still time for him to hit that next gear. But what’s clear is that the Habs really need Slafkovský to go out and get that top gear.
And even David Savard (who’s in a good position to speak) is well aware of this.
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