Juraj Slafkovský’s attitude towards the Montreal media continues to fuel debate.
Just yesterday, the young player offered an icy and condescending performance during his post-match press briefing.
His dry tone and apparent disregard for the questions asked reveal a disturbing arrogance, which is beginning to annoy journalists and supporters alike.
At only 20 years old, Slafkovský acts as if he is untouchable, an all-powerful god in the world of the Montreal Canadiens.
An evasive and contemptuous speech…Slafkovský loves to ridicule journalists
Asked about his offensive performances and the difficulty in generating scoring chances, Slafkovský responded with apparent detachment.
It must be said that the question was not the sharpest in the box.
“This morning you said you wanted to shoot more. The stats obviously aren’t there, but do you feel like you created enough offensively tonight?”
“Obviously no, because we didn’t score a goal. So I don’t think we created enough. »
His dry tone and lack of self-criticism immediately annoyed the journalists present. When asked if he found it difficult to enter the opposition’s zones, his answer was equally curt, claiming that they managed to enter the zone all evening.
But the discomfort in the locker room reached its limit, when a journalist dared to say that CH had come out “flat”. Slafkovsky’s reaction was scathing:
“In the first half, both teams seemed a little flat. What do you think, and what motivated you to come back stronger in the second half?
“Sorry, can you repeat the question?” »
“Soft?” Okay, well, I don’t think so.”
Poor journalist. And boom in the teeth.
There was no trace of humility in his words. Rather, he seemed to place any responsibility on the team or on external factors, such as referees’ decisions:
“I mean, in this league, the penalties are very strange. But hey, like I said, it’s not me who decides. »
A player under pressure or an inflated ego?
Some wonder if family problems in Slovakia are starting to affect Slafkovský’s attitude.
His family, in particular, would have been involved in media conflicts linked to criticism of the young player towards the Slovak Hockey Federation.
These tensions, combined with the fact that his family is experiencing difficult times with the Slovak press, to the point that his parents and sister are followed by photographers at play and at night, could explain some of his current behavior.
But is this a sufficient excuse to explain his blatant arrogance towards the Montreal media?
Slafkovský’s arrogance has not gone unnoticed by fans, who are growing impatient with his lack of results on the ice.
With a new contract worth $7.6 million spread over eight years, expectations are high. However, instead of focusing on his game, the young Slovak seems to revel in a prima donna role, blaming the referees, his teammates or even the journalists.
On social networks, criticisms are pouring out:
“Who does this guy think he is? What did he do to deserve this attitude? »
“Slaf is more concerned about his next ad than his next goal. We have another bust on our hands. »
“By sulking and despising everyone, he will end up like Drouin: a lost player, rejected by everyone. »
In a city like Montreal, where every word and gesture is scrutinized, Slafkovský’s attitude is a major misstep.
Fans and media do not easily forgive arrogance, especially from a young player who has yet to prove his worth.
Instead of being humble and hardworking, Slafkovský seems to feed an already inflated ego, bolstered by a lucrative contract and a ubiquitous presence in advertisements, whether here or in Slovakia.
His visible contempt for journalists and his lack of self-criticism are not only frustrating, but also dangerous for his reputation.
Montreal is not a city where players can hide behind excuses or haughty attitudes. Here, we expect results, and we demand humility.
With his exorbitant contract and growing popularity outside of hockey, Slafkovský risks falling into the celebrity trap.
His recent McDonald’s ad and his role in a lottery campaign in Slovakia send a clear message: the player seems to value his image more than his on-ice performance.
But as we’ve seen with other players before him, this attitude rarely leads to success in Montreal.
To regain the trust of fans and media, Slafkovský will have to show that he is capable of growing up, taking responsibility and putting his arrogance aside.
Because in a city where heroes are taken to the 7th heaven as quickly as they fall from it, the young Slovak could soon discover that arrogance only leads to a brutal fall.
It’s time to have a discussion with Chantal Machabée.
