It really seems like the organization is preparing to give him a chance as a center eventually.
This has been discussed for a while, and don't be surprised if it becomes official.
Check out what the excellent Marc-Olivier Cook just reported.
So today, before the start of regular practice, there was a faceoff clinic with expert Marc Bureau.
The participants in this special clinic are: Christian Dvorak, Nick Suzuki, Kirby Dach, Jake Evans, Alex Newhook, and Juraj Slafkovsky.
Yes, the surprising name on this list is the last one.
Do you think it's a good idea to try Slaf as a center? It's worth noting that there is clearly a need to fill at that position for the Montreal Canadiens right now (at the second-line center spot).
Slafkovsky, 20 years old, is a 6-foot-3, 225-pound forward who seems to have the hockey IQ necessary to play at center.
The Canadiens' 2022 first-overall pick has accumulated 15 points, including two goals, in 27 games this season.
Unfortunately, he hasn't had the start to the season that was hoped for, especially after signing a big contract in recent months (earning $7.6 million per year, until 2033).
If Kirby Dach isn't the solution as the second-line center, Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton will need to quickly find an answer.
Could that solution actually be in Buffalo? As we reported earlier, a trade involving Dylan Cozens could be taking shape according to insiders.
Details to follow.
POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 16 | 1723 ANSWERS A Major Change Could Be Coming for Juraj Slafkovsky as the Canadiens Drop a Big Hint Do you think Martin St-Louis should try Juraj Slafkovsky at center? | ||
Yes | 1010 | 58.6 % |
No | 713 | 41.4 % |
List of polls |