Jeff Gorton had a lot to say about Juraj Slafkovsky

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Elias Edmonson
September 30, 2023 (1:49 PM)

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In a recent interview with Guillaume Lefrançois of La Presse, Jeff Gorton, the Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations for the Canadiens, had much to say about the overall first pick in 2022, Juraj Slafkovsky.

While he didn't have a smashing start in the NHL, Gorton seems very pleased with the development of the Slovak forward, who continues to progress. Even though the 19-year-old is accustomed to having enormous pressure on his shoulders, having been a big star in his native country for several years, being a first overall pick in Montreal certainly requires some adjustment.

"He was an 18-year-old player, first pick in a market where everyone is aware of what he's doing on and off the ice. It would be a huge adjustment for anyone. He's learning and improving. In preseason games and our practices, we all see his growth. But at 18 or 19, it doesn't happen overnight." - Jeff Gorton

After all, he is the only prospect from his draft class to have played more than 10 games in the NHL last season. Kent Hughes's right-hand man, therefore, asks fans to remain patient, noting that in a few years, the organization may have an impact forward able to play within the team's top two lines.

He notably mentioned Joe Thornton whom he drafted during his time with the Boston Bruins. The center had statistics very similar to those of Juraj Slafkovsky in his first season and later became one of the NHL's top players for nearly 15 years.

"I had Joe Thornton in Boston. Look at his stats in his first year. It wasn't spectacular. He had three goals and four assists [in 55 games]. No one talks about it now that he's heading to the Hall of Fame." - Jeff Gorton

One thing is certain, the VP of Hockey Operations has no concerns about his young winger and is convinced he will reach his full potential to become a first line player for the Montreal Canadiens. There's no doubt that the 6'3", 230-pound forward is immensely talented; it's just a matter of waiting for him to reach full maturity.

"I don't want to quantify it in the number of goals, but he's a power forward who will be good on the forecheck, to score goals, and who will be good for 200 feet. It's a lot for the opponents." - Jeff Gorton

Such statements are very reassuring to hear!

Selected first in the 2022 draft, Juraj Slafkovsky had some difficulties in 2022-2023, accumulating only four goals and six assists (10 points) in 39 games. However, a much better season can be expected from him this year as Martin St-Louis seems willing to give him a chance to play in the team's top-6.