Bad News for Juraj Slafkovsky ahead of the NHL season
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.
POLL |
Where will Juraj Slafkovsky start next season? |
The NHL | 225 | 34.3 % |
The AHL | 431 | 65.7 % |
List of polls |
|
25 minutes ago | By Chris Gerics The Toronto Maple Leafs Don't Need to Trade for a Third-Line Center, They Already Have One |
|
1 hour ago | By Daniel Lucente Utah Hockey Club Blows 3-Goal Lead in Loss to San Jose Sharks, Time to Call the Toronto Maple Leafs? |
|
1 hour ago | By TJ Tucker Edmonton Oilers Coach Kris Knoblauch Shares Crucial Update on Connor McDavid's Injury Status |
|
5 hours ago | By Chris Gerics Toronto Maple Leafs Send Clear Message To Timothy Liljegren With Recent Signing |
|
16 hours ago | By Chris Gerics Connor McDavid Leaves Oilers Game After Suffering Apparent Injury |
|
18 hours ago | By Daniel Lucente Joseph Woll's Fate in Question After Maple Leafs' Latest Decision |
|
20 hours ago | By Chris Gerics The Next 3 Crucial Contracts Brad Treliving and the Leafs Must Secure after Locking in Jake McCabe |
|
21 hours ago | By Chris Gerics Toronto Maple Leafs Make Big Lineup Changes Ahead Of Game Against the Winnipeg Jets |
Previously on HockeyPatrol