Major statements from Nick Suzuki and Martin St-Louis about Juraj Slafkovsky

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David St-Jean
November 5, 2023 (6:59 PM)

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Finally! Juraj Slafkovsky scored his first goal of the season on Saturday night against the Blues. The first overall pick in 2022 has had a tough start to the season, and he needs to build on this goal going forward.

It's not easy being such a highly touted pick in a market like Montreal. Every move Slaf makes is closely scrutinized, and when the results don't come, criticism quickly follows.

According to Nick Suzuki, it's unfair:

"It's quite unfair. He missed a big part of the last season, so he doesn't have many NHL games under his belt, so I think he's just a young player trying to find his way in the NHL. He [Slafkovsky] is a very good player, and he will be one for a long time."

� Nick Suzuki

One aspect that people tend to overlook is the defensive side of the game. However, Slafkovsky is good in that area, which is strongly in his favor according to the coach.

"He still has some holes; he's only 19. But I feel comfortable because he's defensively aware. And playing on that line [the first line], you're going to have tougher matchups, and he wasn't exposed in that department tonight. And I didn't expect him to be. Offensively, I'm really happy for him."

� Martin St-Louis

This explains why number 20 is still in the top 6, even when he's not producing offensively. He's responsible in all areas of the ice, and even if he's not contributing on the scoresheet, he doesn't harm the team. Production will come; he has the talent to make it happen.