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Analyst Proposes Shaking Up Canadiens' Top 6 Involving Demidov and Slafkovsky


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Elias Adaime
September 26, 2025  (9:01 PM)
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Apr 27, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens right wing Ivan Demidov (93) and left wing Juraj Slafkovsky (20) wait for a face-off beside each other during the third period in game four of the first round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images
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

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
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.
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Analyst Proposes Shaking Up Canadiens' Top 6 Involving Demidov and Slafkovsky

Should Martin St-Louis put Juraj Slafkovsky on the second line?


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