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Martin St-Louis offers his most honest comments yet on Juraj Slafkovsky
Photo credit: All Montreal Hockey / NHL
Martin St-Louis didn't mince words when talking about Juraj Slafkovsky.
During his media availability, the head coach summed it up simply: he sees a player who "reads" situations better. He also emphasized the idea that the game has "slowed down" for him.
What stands out, according to St-Louis, is the frequency of his shots. The message is clear and delivered with a smile. When your head coach describes an "evolution," you take that seriously.
Martin St-Louis praises Juraj Slafkovsky after stunning performance
Here are his comments:
Habs coach Marty St. Louis tonight on Juraj Slafkovsky:
"I think the game has slowed down for him. His reads are clearer, he's using his body. He's using his shot more often. It's an evolution. It's fun to watch him play like this."
- Via HabsOnReddit
"I think the game has slowed down for him. His reads are clearer, he's using his body. He's using his shot more often. It's an evolution. It's fun to watch him play like this."
- Via HabsOnReddit
Slafkovsky is 21 years old and still at the very beginning of his story in Montreal. He was a first-round pick, first overall in 2022. This season, he already has 28 points in 38 games, with 13 goals and 15 assists.
Juraj Slafkovsky just wants to dominate and be a leader.
He has been dominating and leading for over a month."
- Eric Engels
He has been dominating and leading for over a month."
- Eric Engels
His contract also stands out because it's massive. He signed an eight-year deal worth $60.8 million. His cap hit is $7.6 million, and the contract begins in 2025-26.
Last year, he produced 51 points in 79 games with the Montreal Canadiens. In 2023-24, he also reached the 50-point mark, with 50 points in 82 games. That makes two straight 50-point seasons.
What St-Louis is highlighting today is above all the process: less noise, more consistency, and a stronger presence. Slafkovsky is still young, but the coach's public tone is changing-and it's noticeable.