Kent Hughes Urges Juraj Slafkovsky to Model His Game After Two NHL Stars
The Canadiens' GM, Kent Hughes, asked Juraj Slafkovsky to model his game after two star players in the NHL.
The Habs' 2022 first-overall pick went through a 2024-2025 season marked by two very distinct phases.
In the first months of the season, the Slovak forward struggled to find his rhythm and generate impact on a consistent basis. However, as the schedule progressed, his game transformed.
More confident and more physically imposing, he even became the driving force of his line on several occasions, showing exactly why he was chosen first overall in the 2022 draft.
When playing at his full potential, Slafkovsky has the tools to influence the outcome of a game all by himself. His physical strength, combined with his vision on the ice, allows him to create openings that few young players are able to generate.
But for him to reach another level, the key lies in consistency. Being able to deliver dominant performances night after night remains the true challenge in his development.
To get there, the young forward can draw inspiration from veterans who paved the way. The playoffs provided striking examples of players capable of combining toughness with offensive effectiveness.
Established forwards like Tom Wilson and Alex Ovechkin should serve as inspiration for Juraj Slafkovsky, according to Kent Hughes
Ovechkin and Wilson should serve as role models for Juraj Slafkovsky, according to the Habs' GM. Their ability to influence a game not only with their skills, but also with their physical presence, represents a valuable source of learning for Slafkovsky. These were the words of Kent Hughes.
"Yes, there were (lessons). Individually, someone like Slafkovsky can watch someone like Tom Wilson assert himself physically in a game. Watch Alex Ovechkin assert himself physically in the playoffs. Just learning from a team of veterans, the calm." - Kent Hughes
Beyond the physical aspect, the calm and composure these players display in crucial moments are qualities that make the difference during long playoff runs. For a young player like Slafkovsky, observing this type of leadership represents an experience he can apply to his own career path.
If his development follows this trajectory, the Montreal Canadiens could soon rely on a winger capable not only of producing offensively but also of dictating the pace of games through his toughness and intensity. Last spring served as a reminder: Slafkovsky's future will depend on his ability to maintain this level of commitment consistently.
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SEPTEMBRE 5 | 862 ANSWERS Kent Hughes Urges Juraj Slafkovsky to Model His Game After Two NHL Stars Do you agree with Kent Hughes when he says Juraj Slafkovsky should take inspiration from Tom Wilson and Alex Ovechkin? | ||
| Yes | 795 | 92.2 % |
| No | 67 | 7.8 % |
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