Montreal Canadiens: Expectations on 4 prospects ahead of 2022-23

Here are expectations for Montreal Canadiens’ no.1 overall pick Juraj Slafkovsky.

I figured I’d save the best for last, which is about forward and first overall pick Juraj Slafkovsky. Let’s start with the obvious; the Habs have too many forwards as it is, and yet it’s difficult to imagine a scenario in which Slafkovsky doesn’t start the year with the Canadiens.

Of course, his performance during training camp and the preseason will factor into that decision. My concern is what the reaction will look like if the Canadiens do decide to send him down at some point.

What is reasonable to expect from Slafkovsky before any claims of a bust start to come out is tough. In a smaller hockey market, like Seattle and fourth overall pick Shane Wright, expectations may not be relatively high.

In Montreal, I’m not so sure. Slafkovsky didn’t have the greatest showing at the prospect tournament, and some have already begun to panic. I think it’s safe to say, even for Montreal, that’s a bit much. There were some flashes, but it’s clear Habs fans wanted a little more.

Slafkovsky is obviously going to have the spotlight on him, and that’s alright but how the fan base reacts when he struggles is what worries me. As previously mentioned, it can weigh on players when they struggle, and the outside pressure doesn’t help.

With Slafkovsky, if expectations are that he’ll be a point-per-game player and Calder trophy winner his rookie year, then the fanbase is already setting him up for failure. He isn’t going to do that, as few 18-year-old rookies do.

What he will do is what’s important, and he should be a pleasure to watch as he learns to adapt to the NHL. He’s got skill that’s given. But how quickly that will all translate remains to be seen. Regardless, the Habs have a talented player on their hands, and well, I think preaching patience can only be true for so long; I also don’t think it’s fair to thrust too much on him too quickly.

It’s the reason why it wouldn’t surprise me to see him play in Laval at various points this year, and I think Habs fans should prepare for that too. You just got to hope he doesn’t stay down there for long.