Juraj Slafkovsky's start to the season has been similar to that of his Montreal Canadiens, hard-fought but the results haven't followed suit.
In comparison to last season, Slafkovsky hasn't produced in the way most might have thought he should this year. But he continues to battle and do his best to aid the second line in their quest to take some weight off the first line's shoulders. Kirby Dach has struggled and seems to be an anchor for his linemates thus far, and Patrik Laine has done his best to help out.
So, Laine has been a positive light, and if he and Slafkovsky can find some chemistry the second line would be two-thirds of the way to being complete. I won't blame anybody for Slafkovsky's lack of production, but if Dach could find his rhythm the line could be a real threat. Right now it's not clicking, with Laine's three goals coming on the power play.
I see a player who’s listening and receiving info well, I also see a coach who’s willing to listen to his player and hear him out. This is good. Obviously we only have a video with no audio of the conversation, but things only looks healthy. https://t.co/M46eSePcXJ
— Jordan Decker (@_JordanDecker) December 11, 2024
So, it's not surprising that Martin St. Louis has communicated frequently with Slafkovsky, as seen in the video above. I think Slafkovsky has so much untapped potential and Marty knows how to guide him through the trenches. Slafkovsky is an emotional guy and I think the guidance from a guy who had a long journey to the NHL is an enormous asset for the Slovak.
St. Louis was criticized for being too soft on players, and that narrative has gone out the window. Marty is respected and that shouldn't waver based on whether he raises his voice to players or not, which often gets muffled on social media. But one thing that has never changed, St. Louis is a communicator and gets through to every player differently.
With St. Louis behind the bench, I am excited to see how he continues to help Slafkovsky and how he handles some prospects that will be in the mix in the next few years. Ivan Demidov, David Reinbacher and Logan Mailloux lead the pack, while Owen Beck has impressed out of the gate. And I think he is a season or two away, but Jacob Fowler has a personality and competitiveness that St. Louis will appreciate. Throw Michael Hage into the mix and Marty has a plethora of future Habs that will benefit handsomely from Marty's hockey knowledge.
St. Louis throws Lane his flowers
Lane Hutson has been as advertised for the Habs and seems to be creating something every time he is on the ice. The consistency will be the biggest challenge, but Hutson has already impressed his head coach with his passion and all the work that he puts in. Hutson has immense talent, but that doesn't stop him from pushing to get better every day.
“He (Lane Hutson) is learning to become a pro. Becoming a pro consists a lot with your individual actions. How you spend your days, how you manage your energy, how you take care of yourself. I find that he’s passionate about hockey. He does a lot of extra (work). He works on his… pic.twitter.com/UX6Z0j1Yje
— /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) December 11, 2024
For a 20-year-old to be this focused and dedicated to improving, it's an impressive feat. To have a Hockey Hall of Famer taking notice, Hutson has to be feeling good about himself. His game has been impressive and it just feels like he keeps getting better, faster, shiftier and more dynamic.
Talent and work ethic shine through brightly with Hutson.