Bad News for Juraj Slafkovsky ahead of the NHL season

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James Connelly
September 10, 2023 (12:41)

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Juraj Slafkovsky faces some of the worst news imaginable for any young 1st overall pick.

Slafkovsky Faces Demotion

Recently, Jonathan Bernier of Le Journal De Montreal commented on the immediate future of Juraj Slafkovsky and what he believes the Canadians should do with their 1st overall pick.

The Canadian already has 12 forwards with NHL contracts. A group to which we must add the name of Juraj Slafkovsky. If everyone is healthy, at the end of training camp, there will be no room for a new kid on the roster...

...However, a start to the season in Laval for Slafkovsky is not impossible... The top pick in the 2022 draft missed the entire second half of the season with a left knee injury.

12 forwards are more deserving of ice time over Slafkovsky? There are obvious ones but a noncompetitive Canadiens team has 12 forwards better than Salfkovsky?

Should Slafkovsky Be Demoted?

There is a big question on if Slafkovsky should be demoted. If he were to be demoted, it would be in the name of development. If Slafkovsky is playing in the AHL, he is one of the Laval Rocket's top forwards and will get loads of ice time.

Last season, Slafkovsky had only 10 points in 39 games getting time on the 2nd powerplay unit. He had his season cut short due to injury. While Slafkovsky certainly could play at the NHL level, would he do well?

That is a question Martin St. Louis and Kent Hughes will have to answer and till then, we can only watch to see what happens with the young Slovak.

As seen on Hockey Feed - Slafkovsky facing an early demotion to start the season.