Slafkovsky's latest stats and early struggles spark a difficult question for the Canadiens
The progression of the former first-overall pick of the Canadiens is drawing attention, even more this season as other first-overall picks are on fire.
The NHL is currently going through a youth movement and, for sports fans, it's beautiful to watch.
Right now, the top 5 in NHL stats is made up of Nathan MacKinnon, Léo Carlson, Macklin Celebrini, Connor Bedard, and a certain Connor McDavid.
Among those players, four were selected first overall.
The Canadiens weren't lucky: they ended up with the first pick in one of the weaker draft classes of the last few years.
Even if his draft position isn't his fault, Slafkovsks's statistics in his fourth season are disappointing for a former first-overall pick.
Recently, the criticism has only grown louder, with more and more observers pointing out his inconsistent play and the simple mistakes that keep creeping into his game.
Statistical comparison of former first-overall picks
Slafkovsky was drafted in 2022, and here is his points-per-game average since he joined the NHL.
1st season: 0.26
2nd season: 0.61
3rd season: 0.65
2nd season: 0.61
3rd season: 0.65
In his 4th season, he is producing at a pace of 0.56 points per game.
In 2023, the first-overall pick was Connor Bedard, and here is his points-per-game average since joining the NHL.
1st season: 0.90
2nd season: 0.82
2nd season: 0.82
He's in his 3rd season now and is currently producing at a pace of 1.53 points per game.
In 2024, the first-overall pick was Macklin Celebrini, and here is his points-per-game average since he joined the NHL.
1st season: 0.90
He is now in his 2nd season and, currently, he is producing at a pace of 1.53 points per game.
In the NHL's top 5 scorers, there is also a former first-round pick-the only one who wasn't drafted first overall: Léo Carlson.
Léo Carlson's statistics in his first NHL seasons resemble those of Slaf, with a points-per-game average of 0.53 and 0.59 in his first two seasons.
But this year, it must be said he is surprising everyone in the hockey world with 11 goals and 15 assists in his first 16 games, a pace of 1.63 points per game.
"Meanwhile, over here our first-overall pick is struggling to make a pass."
- Gino
- Gino
This contrast shows just how difficult it is to predict the trajectory of a young player.
Honestly, I think that uncertainty is part of what makes the sport so beautiful.
There isn't just this one statistic to consider when evaluating a player's performance, but it's a major indicator.
Each player has their own rhythm and their own way of learning.
Not all players develop at the same speed.
Right now, Nathan MacKinnon is one of the best hockey players on the planet, and it wasn't until his fifth season that it really showed on the scoresheet. It's not over yet for Slaf, but we want more!
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