Juraj Slafkovsky is not having the dream start for a first overall pick, certainly, but it's important to remember that he has only around 50 NHL games under his belt. He is still taking his first steps, and he is only 19 years old.
In the last two games, despite the Canadiens' losses, he has been very good, arguably the team's best forward. He has had scoring chances, has been feeding his teammates well, and is using his physicality and speed. In short, it won't take much for the puck to start going in.
It's often said that he doesn't shoot enough, and when he does, he takes too much time, giving the opposing goalie time to get in position. A scene in training demonstrates why he is said to have such a good shot.
Martin St-Louis often says that Slaf belongs in the NHL and just lacks a bit of confidence. We can see what he means. While we may not scrutinize the Canadiens' practices, if the coach sees things like this from the young man every day, I understand why he keeps him in the lineup and gives him every chance to succeed.
