2024-08-24 16:32:14
When the Canadians drafted Juraj Slafkovský first overall in 2022, it was their goal to see him become one of the best power forwards in the NHL. It was a slightly riskier option, but the banking club had a high ceiling.
In this sense, it is often compared to another great power forward. Mikko Rantanen is a name that came up a lot in the process.
But what does the main character think?
I interview with Nicolas Cloutier (TVA Sports)the youngster was asked about the comparisons with Rantanen… and he doesn’t want to know any of that:
I don’t want to be the next Mikko Rantanen. I want to be myself. – Juraj Slafkovský
Juraj Slafkovsky is confident. What did you see in the second half of the season? This is just the beginning, he says.
Futuristic exercises with glasses are a thing of the past. He returned to base. “Last summer was too much!”
— Nicolas Cloutier (@NCloutierTVA) August 24, 2024
Slavs he explains that he has no problem getting inspiration from the games of other players, including Rantanen. That said, he wants to create his own identity and be himself.
Why be the next Mikko Rantanen when you can be the first Juraj Slafkovský?
Of course, from that point of view Slavs last year showed that he is capable of great success in the NHL, it is an encouraging sign that he wants to remain his own person. At 20 years old, he still has time to develop… especially since he is under contract for nine years with Canada.
Also note during the interview, Slavs who was positive about his “back discomfort”. He strongly insists that he would be able to play tomorrow (and play 82 games), but that he prefers not to play during the Olympic qualifiers to be sure that he will reach 100% at the Habs camp.
His priority is the CH.
We therefore feel that the youngster is confident about next season, and with a big contract in his pocket, he will be looking to prove that he is capable of being a dominant player for 82 games this season.
And he won’t do it by being the next Mikko Rantanen, but by being himself.
In a burst
– Speaking of players in the 2022 draft.
Logan Cooley this season.
— scored one of Australia’s best goals of the season during the season
— put up 20g | 44 points in 82 games as a 19yo rookieIf he graduates next year, he could make Schmaltz one of the best 2Cs in the sport. pic.twitter.com/P1VY91sDrN
— Big Head Hockey (@BigHeadHcky) August 24, 2024
– The CH should escape this year.
Will we see a trio of goalkeepers this season? 🤔
— TVA Sports (@TVASports) August 24, 2024
– It’s hard not to pick McDavid in the race for Art Ross.
Who will win the Art Ross Trophy next season?
— NHL Watcher (@NHL_Watcher) August 24, 2024
– That there was something.
Lots of fun writing Youppi eviction! 35 years ago. It brings back a lot of memories. It was @MLapriseRDS @RDSca
— Eric Leblanc (@eleblancRDS) August 24, 2024
#Juraj #Slafkovský #Mikko #Rantanen