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Every year, Upper Deck (a trading card company) organizes a Rookie Showcase with the NHL most promising rookies. This year, there was a Canadiens’ prospect amongst them in Juraj Slafkovsky who got to spend some time with the likes of Owen Power, Shane Wright and Dylan Holloway. On top of posing for his own upcoming trading card, Slafkovsky got to speak with the media a bit and I must say, his English reminds me a little bit of Romanov’s at first, although he doesn’t need an interpret like the former Habs’ defenseman did at first.
Slafkovsky was asked what the plan was for him this year, what his living arrangements would be and what he thought would be the biggest challenge for him diving into the north American game. The last question was the easiest to answer for the Slovak sensation who mentioned that he would have to adapt his reaction time to the smaller ice surface, which makes total sense. When Jesperi Kotkaniemi played in the rookie tournament with the Habs, things seemed to be going much too fast for him at first. Just like the Finn, Slafkovsky is used to the international size rink and there will be an adaptation period.
As for where he’ll be playing, the organization hasn’t given him any indication whether he’ll be skating in the NHL or in the AHL this season, he’s doing his best to be ready to make the jump to the big league, but it will be up to the team to evaluate his level of readiness and ultimately make the decision. The same goes for his living arrangements, once he knows where he’ll play, he’ll be able to set himself up. It will be interesting to see if a vet welcomes him into his home, that often happens with rookies, but one must remember that Slafkovsky left home at 14 to go play in Czechia and Finland and lived on his own.
Yesterday, Sean Monahan hit the ice in Brossard and he really does look like he’s gearing up to be ready to open the season. While Kent Hughes said there’s no point in rushing him, it feels like the center is eager to prove that his health issues are behind him and that he can be a contributor with his new team.
Aujourd'hui, Sean Monahan a patiné après avoir déjeuné. C'est pas des blagues.
Today, the Canadiens announced that Jonathan Drouin was changing his number this season, going from 92 to 27. Now that Alexander Romanov has been traded, Drouin’s former number in both Halifax and Tampa Bay was available so it’s not a shock to see him make the swap. Perhaps he’s hoping that the change will give him a fresh start and help put his health trouble behind him. Since this is the last year of his contract, Drouin will essentially be playing to prove his worth this season. I struggle to see a scenario in which he remains with the Canadiens past this season, he’s failed to impress since his arrival and will forever be associated with one of Marc Bergevin’s worst move as Canadiens’ GM.
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