Analyst Proposes Shaking Up Canadiens' Top 6 Involving Demidov and Slafkovsky
Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images
During a segment on the JiC show on TVA Sports, there was an interesting discussion about Juraj Slafkovsky.
As he approaches his fourth season in the NHL, the Slovak forward will need to elevate his game if he wants to become a true impact player for the Montreal Canadiens.
Some comments made about him since the start of training camp led Jean-Charles Lajoie to suggest that Slafkovsky should be moved to the second line.
An unexpected proposal involving Juraj Slafkovsky from Jean-Charles Lajoie
In fact, he rather suggested that Martin St-Louis balance his forward lines a bit better. Here's his explanation:
"Slafkovsky on the first line, in my opinion, dooms you to two things that don't make sense: Demidov with Laine on the same line, and Zachary Bolduc on the third line with two somewhat weaker elements of the lineup.
If you remove Slafkovsky from the first line, you can fix that by replacing him with Laine or Demidov and moving Bolduc to the second line.
That way, you become a better team."
- Jean-Charles Lajoie
If you remove Slafkovsky from the first line, you can fix that by replacing him with Laine or Demidov and moving Bolduc to the second line.
That way, you become a better team."
- Jean-Charles Lajoie
A suggestion that seems very logical, but the idea of seeing Juraj Slafkovsky on the second line doesn't sit well with Tony Marinaro.
"Why break up a formula that has worked for a few years? Martin St-Louis, unlike other coaches who like to shuffle their cards, goes for stability."
- Tony Marinaro
- Tony Marinaro
We have to admit he has a point here, because for the first time in ages, the Canadiens have a stable and legitimate first line.
This was evident during the team's first preseason game last Tuesday against the Philadelphia Flyers, showcasing the excellent chemistry that still exists between Caufield, Suzuki, and the Canadiens' first overall pick from 2022.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 26 | 1487 ANSWERS Analyst Proposes Shaking Up Canadiens' Top 6 Involving Demidov and Slafkovsky Should Martin St-Louis put Juraj Slafkovsky on the second line? | ||
| Yes, and Bolduc moves up | 173 | 11.6 % |
| Yes, and Demidov moves up | 597 | 40.1 % |
| Yes, and Laine-or another player-moves up | 58 | 3.9 % |
| No | 659 | 44.3 % |
| List of polls | ||