Max Lapierre expressed concern about Slafkovsky and Xhekaj, regarding their significant weight gain

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Jeff Drouin
September 15, 2022 (3:45 PM)

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This morning, we had an update of the measurements of the CH prospects who are currently in the middle of the rookie camp. This list shows, among other things, that many of them have put on a lot of weight over the summer, including Juraj Slafkovsky (9 lbs), Kaiden Guhle (6 lbs) and Arber Xhekaj (19 lbs).

While many feel that this weight gain is a good sign for the development of these players, others like Maxim Lapierre are concerned. The former NHLer doesn't like to see such a big progression at this level in a young player.

The time of year when you hear the famous "he added 5,10,15 lbs of muscle". I find that young players often make this mistake. They want to be as big and strong as their 35 year old teammate. I prefer the natural progression.

This sudden weight gain has a good chance of greatly decreasing the speed of the young hockey player. As an example, he cites Jesperi Kotkaniemi who, in the summer following his first year in the NHL, added about 10 pounds of muscle to his lanky frame. However, his speed suffered greatly during the season that followed.

Hopefully, the three players mentioned above will not have lost their speed, as they will certainly find it fast in the NHL this season.