The fans’ verdict fell mercilessly this evening: Juraj Slafkovsky, supposed to embody the future of the Montreal Canadiens, is today the scapegoat of a team adrift after the defeat (5-3) against the Montreal Devils. New Jersey.
The fifth consecutive defeat and the ninth in eleven matches left the fans angry, and, as with every evening of disillusionment, it is on social networks that this rage finds its outlet.
For these exasperated supporters, the Slovak, more busy with his advertising campaigns than with his performances on the ice, is the obvious cause of this rout.
The comments flood in, scathing, acerbic, while the web is merciless.
“We have to put these players on the bench. No sense of urgency, it’s pathetic. I would even send Dach to the stands for the next game. This guy does nothing on the first line and loses the puck on every bad decision. »
But Slafkovsky fares no better.
“Slaf found a way to drag himself again tonight, but as long as he’s getting paid, why push himself? One McDonald’s ad more or less, that’s all that seems to matter. »
And the degrading comparisons rain down.
“Always playing like a ‘fraichierr’. This guy is more busy counting his $100,000 worth of McDonald’s than performing on the ice. »
An underperforming talent…a player who has become a symbol of collective failure…
At the center of criticism, the question of Slafkovsky’s motivation. Since he signed his new 8-year, $7.6 million per year contract and received his big advertising fee from McDonald’s, his performances have been flowing a little more every night.
His attitude on the ice, described as limp and disengaged, becomes the starting point of every heated discussion.
The public does not have the same patience:
“A bust? This story is going to end like Galchenyuk, we all know that. » says a bitter fan. “
We should have taken Logan Cooler in his place, a real leader with anger. And even though he’s small, Cooley isn’t a guy who runs away from contact like Slafkovsky.”
Critics who recently compared Slafkovsky to Joel Armia are resurfacing.
For fans, this comparison to Armia is no longer a simple observation: it has become a contemptuous nickname for Slafkovsky, who is called Armia 2.0 on the networks.
Another big guy full of talent, but as soft as an old sponge,” visibly tired of the excuses of the staff to defend Slafkovsky’s progress.
The fans’ frustration has reached such a level that they are now dreaming of a trade for Brady Tkachuk.
This suggestion, an impossible dream, becomes an almost collective request.
“We want players who fight, not guys who slide like they’re in a McDonald’s ad!” »
The harshest words come from those who, disappointed by the Canadian for years, see this season as an eternal repetition of bad choices and underperforming young players.
“First overall 2025 is a real possibility for CH, guys… That’s where we are. »
The desperation is evident. Slafkovsky’s fate seems almost sealed in the eyes of many supporters, who do not hesitate to call him a “prima donna” or a “freshman” with obvious contempt.
They criticize the young player not only for his performances, but above all for a lack of combativeness and humility, an unforgivable fault in a city as passionate as Montreal.
Each defeat reinforces the impression that Slafkovský is not the player expected. His McDonald’s ad, a sign of recognition, has become a constant reminder of his priorities which are not in the right place.
For some fans, it is clear that the young Slovakian has let fame take his toll.
The McDonald’s curse seems to strike once again.
With each presence as if he didn’t want to break a finger, unmet expectations pile up, resentment spreads across the province, and the patience of the supporters wears thin.
The sky seems to be falling on Slafkovsy’s head, whose dream of becoming a hero in Montreal has turned into a nightmare.
8 more years at $7.6 million per year. We hope he stops kicking his butt.
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