Yesterday, after a humiliating 9-2 loss to the Penguins, Juraj Slafkovsky appeared in front of reporters with an attitude that left everyone uncomfortable.
While his start to the season was catastrophic, the $7.6 million per year forward over eight years preferred to adopt an arrogant and slobbering posture, laughing at inappropriate moments and delivering responses that bordered on insulting towards the fans.
When a journalist asked him a scathing question about the quality of the show put on by the team:
“If you were a fan, would you pay hundreds of dollars to see this team play? “.
Slafkovsky, smiling, replied:
“Yes, I would pay. »
Here is the video excerpt that is so uncomfortable:
Taken aback, the journalists asked why. His justification was anything but convincing:
“Young team, a lot ahead of us, that doesn’t change anything. Tomorrow, if we win, what will you say? »
This response, not only disconnected from reality, is a real affront to fans who pay large sums of money to witness dismal performances.
Laughing after such a question betrays an inexplicable arrogance, especially for a player who is having a miserable season.
Slafkovsky also downplayed concerns about the team’s tendency to collapse:
“How many times has this happened?” Twice? Three times. Not that I’m counting. »
While the Canadian has conceded six goals or more eight times this season, his attempt to trivialize the situation has increased the unease.
Rather than acknowledge the obvious problems with the team and his own performance, he took a condescending approach, insinuating that everything would be fine if the team would just avoid falling apart further.
“I make mistakes sometimes, but with Nick and Caufield, I will get the rebounds, create spaces, and it will work. »
These statements seem absurd when we know that Slafkovsky has only scored two goals in 29 games this season, while often playing without intensity and without impact.
When a reporter asked him what was missing in his game with Patrik Laine and Kirby Dach, he responded with disconcerting insouciance:
“We are all players who like to have the puck, and sometimes it slips and we lose the puck. But it wasn’t so bad. »
Instead of taking responsibility for the trio’s failure, Slafkovsky preferred to rationalize the disappointing performances.
This inability to question oneself, combined with a haughty attitude, illustrates an attitude problem that is beginning to annoy supporters and observers alike.
The most insulting moment for fans was when he tried to put yesterday’s humiliating defeat into perspective:
“If it had ended 5-2, it would have been OK. But 9-2, yeah…”
This statement downplays the impact of a performance where the team showed little fighting spirit, particularly in the third period.
For such a highly paid player, this type of comment demonstrates a glaring disconnect between fans’ expectations and his own level of play.
Juraj Slafkovsky, supposed to be a cornerstone of the Canadian’s future, acts like a badly behaved child.
Laughing at criticism, minimizing the impact of defeats, and disrespecting fans shows an inexplicable arrogance for a player who has yet to prove anything in the NHL.
This behavior raises questions: not only about his attitude, but also about Martin St-Louis’ management of the team.
If Slafkovsky is rewarded with minutes on the top line despite his poor performance and sloppy behavior, what message does that send to the rest of the locker room?
The era of excuses must end. Slafkovsky must understand that wearing the Canadiens jersey comes with responsibilities, and that a lucrative contract is not enough to earn the respect of fans.
Without a change of attitude, he risks becoming a symbol of the decline of the CH under Martin St-Louis.
The defeat against the Penguins left its mark, but the real shockwave came from the attitude of Juraj Slafkovsky.
The poor are increasingly disconnected from the expectations of the organization and supporters. The arrogance displayed by the $7.6 million-a-year Slovak forward is scandalous not only in Montreal, but also in Slovakia, where local media are beginning to question his humility and maturity.
Despite his disastrous performances this season, Martin St-Louis continues to protect Slafkovsky, always giving him big minutes.
When asked why Slafkovsky remained treated so well despite his performances, St-Louis dodged:
“He has qualities that cannot be taught. It’s a process, and it will find its way. »
A speech of patience which no longer passes with the supporters or even, according to certain sources, within the management.
Not for nothing did Kent Hughes step in to pick up Slafkovsky solidly in an aggressive conversation.
Many scouts across the NHL, once fascinated by his potential, are beginning to revise their evaluations.
An anonymous recruiter, quoted by an American media outlet, recently declared:
“If Slafkovsky was 5-foot-11, he wouldn’t even play in the NHL. His size is his only asset, but he refuses to use it. He plays small, he avoids contact, and his decisions with the puck are catastrophic. »
Another recruiter added:
“He’s a depth player with an elite salary. If he doesn’t turn things around next year, he could become one of the worst contracts in the NHL. »
The situation is all the more critical as next season will mark the entry into force of the lucrative eight-year contract awarded to Slafkovsky.
With a salary of $7.6 million per season, he will become the 3rd highest paid player on the team.
What further fuels the frustration is Slafkovsky’s attitude. When asked by a reporter if he felt pressure to justify his contract, he responded with a laugh:
“Why should I feel the pressure? I’m playing my game, that’s all. »
A statement which betrays a lack of awareness of the responsibilities linked to his status. For fans who see their team sinking in the standings, this type of comment is seen as an insult.
Inside sources report that Slafkovsky’s attitude is starting to divide the locker room. Some veterans, like Brendan Gallagher, would be frustrated by his lack of fighting spirit.
Others, like Nick Suzuki, try to mediate, but even the captain is said to have suggested, in private discussions, that “Juraj needs to grow up, and quickly.” »
Meanwhile, the Slovak media take advantage of Slafkovsky’s every misstep to fuel a sensationalist soap opera.
“The prodigal son who disappoints: Slafkovsky loses his footing in Montreal. »
These criticisms exacerbate the pressure on the young player, who is already in the spotlight in his native country.
Juraj Slafkovsky is at a crossroads in his career. Already. Far from being the prodigy that Kent Hughes hoped for when selecting him first overall in 2022, he has become a constant source of controversy.
If his production doesn’t improve quickly and his attitude doesn’t change, the patience of the organization and fans could wear thin.
The message is clear: the time for excuses is over. The time has come for Slafkovsky to prove that he deserves not only his contract, but also the privilege of wearing the Canadiens jersey.
Otherwise, it will become the symbol of a reconstruction that never really took off. We’re not going to call him the Slovak “Alexandre Daigle” yet…but…
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