Juraj Slafkovsky’s season has taken a difficult flip, because the younger ahead finds himself relegated to the Montreal Canadiens’ fourth line alongside Kirby Dach. The transfer, initially made throughout Saturday’s loss to the Vegas Golden Knights, was performed once more when his title was listed on Monday’s apply lineup. Regardless of head coach Martin St. Louis denying that the demotion was supposed as a “message,” he did clarify what Slafkovsky wanted out of his star ahead to place him again on a line extra deserving of his abilities.
“Simply specializing in taking what the sport is giving him,” St-Louis instructed reporters. “Enjoying the sport, not having your thoughts made up of what you wish to do this night time. Simply play the sport and be prepared for something. Be engaged your entire shift.”
The message (or no matter St. Louis needs to name it) seems to have registered for Slafkovsky. He admitted he wasn’t enjoying nicely sufficient and known as the demotion “well-deserved”. When he was benched final week, he stated he was pissed, however he additionally famous that he had a few unhealthy shifts and he wanted to be higher. When requested about nonetheless being younger, he responded, that it doesn’t matter how outdated you might be, however what number of video games you’ve performed. He’s already performed rather a lot, regardless of solely being 20.
With only one objective in 17 video games this season—and none in his final 13—the 19-year-old should discover a approach to be extra productive. Set to make $7.6 million per season beginning subsequent season, the Canadiens can’t have these sorts of nulls all through a season in terms of somebody they’re so closely investing in.
His 0.65 points-per-game tempo is barely higher than final season, however his soar in manufacturing must match his soar in wage.
Slafkovsky is Not the Solely Participant Who Acquired Demoted
St. Louis used the time period “engaged” when describing what he wants out of his star ahead. “To me, it comes right down to being engaged throughout your shift, with regardless of the recreation is asking, and it begins with tempo on either side of the puck,” stated St. Louis. Slafkovsky probably figures it out.
As for the opposite participant St. Louis demoted, Kriby Dach might have an extended street to getting again within the coach’s good books. Dach has actually struggled and his giveaways and errors are catching as much as him. It is a participant who lacks confidence and is getting over a prolonged damage that also appears to be in his head.
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