The Montreal Canadiens are not anticipated to be playoff contenders in the 2024-25 season, yet there are high hopes for improvement from several young players, including 2022 first-overall pick Juraj Slafkovsky, who is entering his third year in the NHL.
Last season, during a full 82-game schedule, Slafkovsky recorded 20 goals and 30 assists, totaling 50 points. After four games in the current season, he has started strong with four points (1 goal and 4 assists).
What steps can Slafkovsky take this year to elevate his performance in the NHL? TSN’s Frank Corrado suggests that Slafkovsky needs to assert himself in high-traffic areas of the ice. “He has to dominate in front of the net in the offensive zone,” Corrado noted. “If he can generate a lot of offense from there, he becomes a difficult player to defend.”
Despite his youth, Slafkovsky’s physical presence at 6-foot-3 and 225 pounds gives him an advantage over many NHL defensemen. Establishing himself as a strong presence near the net will create numerous scoring opportunities and contribute to more wins for the Canadiens.
The team boasts a wealth of skilled players, and while Slafkovsky is among them, he should leverage his size to carve out opportunities for himself.
“If he positions himself in that area,” Corrado remarked, “I have no doubt he will produce.” His first goal of the season came from just in front of the net against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
In the second period, while the Canadiens were down 2-1 and on a power play, Slafkovsky found himself unmarked in front of Tristan Jarry. Captain Nick Suzuki connected with him, allowing Slafkovsky to easily score.
Although the Canadiens ultimately lost 6-3, Slafkovsky demonstrated the scoring potential he possesses. “He could potentially increase his point total by 20 and reach 70 points,” Corrado affirmed. “If he takes charge near the net, he will definitely see his production rise.”
