We Finally Learned Why The Canadiens Choose Juraj Slafkovsky Over Shane Wright At The NHL Draft
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S. HarperAugust 27, 2022 (9:12 PM)
The Montreal Canadiens General Manager Kent Hughes has done a outstanding job since taking over from previous General Manager Marc Bergevin last season. Hughes was put in a tough situation with the Canadiens having their worse year in Franchise history, and very little cap space Hughes to work with he has done amazing all things considered.
Hughes has also shown he's not afraid to make the unpopular decisions if it's going to improve the Canadiens organization. This included the recent NHL Draft held in Montreal in July. Most of the hockey world automatically assumed that Hughes would draft Shane Wright first overall.
So it was abit if a shocker to most when the Hughes walked up to the podium and selected Juraj Slafkovsky 1st overall. While many wondered the logic behind this pick, the Canadiens GM was two steps ahead trading fan favorite Alex Romanov to the New York Islanders then flipping the picks he got to acquire Kirby Dach from from the Chicago Blackhawks after.
However, the Canadiens also seemed regardless of the Dach trade like they wanted Slafkovsky more then right by this video that emerged on social media.
https://twitter.com/PhylBernard/status/1563157007179190285?t=QIdUY7e2MAHF04hxXOdvcw&s=19
https://twitter.com/PhylBernard/status/1563157007179190285?t=QIdUY7e2MAHF04hxXOdvcw&s=19
It's clear the Canadiens were blown away by Slafkovsky's ability and poise at his age in high leverage situations, including Slafkovsky's play in recent international tournament. It doesn't hurt getting a stamp of approval from hockey Legend Jaromir Jagr who would post on Twitter that Juraj Slafkovsky was the real deal.
The question now will be did the Canadiens make the right decision? Unfortunately we won't know the answer until many years down the road once Slafkovsky and Wright, have played many years in the NHL.
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