Juraj Slafkovsky’s rookie season is over, which allows us to take stock of the first North American season of the first overall pick in the last NHL Draft, and I won’t be popular: I see similarities with Jesperi Kotkaniemi.
In his press briefing this week, general manager Kent Hughes was asked extensively about the young Slovak winger who many would have liked to see regain his confidence either at the World Junior Hockey Championship or with the Laval Rocket, in the American Hockey League. .
Hughes put a lot of emphasis on how long it can take for a young player like him to develop. He explained at length the challenges for a young Slovak to arrive in North America and to understand and perfect the style that will allow him to be successful in the National Hockey League. To “define his game”, to use his words.
Ironically, just a few years ago, we had the same discussions with Kotkaniemi. Arrived in Montreal at the age of 18, the organization preferred not to send him to the World Junior Championship and waited until his second season to send him back to Laval.
I analyze what I see and I have no choice but to see many similarities between the early careers of the two young players.
YOUTH USE
Kent Hughes has spoken many times about the challenge of finding balance on many levels in his role as CEO. In Slafkovsky’s case, it’s obvious the team felt the best balance was in Montreal. This reflection also applies to all young people, even Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield who are already established stars.
The two youngsters in the organization are still having difficult evenings and, in the case of Suzuki, I do not understand why it is used so much.
Speaking of balance, there isn’t much in the use of the captain who plays in all situations. Currently, we need them five against five to face the best opposing lines and on the power play to lead the first unit. But we’re still stubborn in sending him outnumbered and I’m afraid we’ll overcharge him.
We can’t afford to lose the young center player to an overuse injury.
DISAPPOINTED FOR MONTEMBEAULT
Finally, a word on Samuel Montembeault who was heading for the title of first star of the week in the NHL. But that was before he was completely dropped by his teammates Thursday night against the Florida Panthers.
The Quebec goaltender has nothing to be ashamed of in this 6-2 loss. Yes, he allowed five goals during the first two periods of play, including four while the opponent was playing on the power play.
However, we must admit that we saw the Canadian again who lacked discipline, confused in his own territory and incapable of any efficiency on the special teams, whatever they are.
I would have liked Montembeault to be able to end this week in a good way, by continuing on his momentum and by collecting an individual honor, something that too few of his teammates have done this year.
At least he continues to demonstrate what I have been hammering since the start of the season: he is part of the solution. At $1 million a season, with another year left on his contract, we’re talking about a real bargain and Kent Hughes made it clear in his press briefing this week: he has no intention of trading him. .
That’s the lesser of it. Montembeault waited for his chance, without complaining and, when it arrived, he grabbed it with both hands.
Echoes of Bergie
CONGRATULATIONS TO DESHARNAIS…
The Quebecer Vincent Desharnais is certainly one of the great stories of the last week. At 26, he was finally able to live his dream by being called up by the Edmonton Oilers and playing his first NHL games. The Laval defender does not have the typical career path of a Quebecer. He played in the BCHL before spending three years in the NCAA with Providence College. The Oilers’ seventh-round pick in 2016, he then spent three full seasons in the minors before being called up this year, in his fourth season. Well done, Vincent. You are an example for all young Quebecers who dream of the NHL.
… AND DUFOUR
I also cannot ignore William Dufour’s first NHL career game, Wednesday night, with the New York Islanders. Another player who defied the odds and who never gave up despite the pitfalls. Fifth-round pick Islands, he finally only needed 37 games in the American Hockey League before getting his first recall in the big league. And a word about Jakob Pelletier since the Flames prospect will also have the chance to break the ice this afternoon against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Quebecers who make their way to the top: I like that!
HUGHES DOES NOT SAID NOT ALL
He said it in his press briefing: Kent Hughes will not be transparent when questions arise about ongoing negotiations, whether for trade or for contract renewals with certain players. But that’s not the only department for which Hughes, and the entire organization, continues to hide information. We continue to be in the void most of the time when it comes time to reveal the nature of the injuries, but also the recovery period. When a player is injured long term, why is it so hard to give the information? Unless we voluntarily lengthen certain convalescences because of the team’s bad season? Too many questions for few answers.