NHL Rumors: Don't expect Slafkovsky to Excel + Detroit Looks to Turn Heads this Season (Habs, Red Wings)
Don't expect Slafkovsky to Excel
It's plain and simple, Juraj Slafkovsky's preseason was kind of disappointing. "I thought his two exhibition games were a little underwhelming for him, but the two rookie games in Buffalo, he was great", said GM Kent Hughes. But as fans we got to recognize that ever prospect has a different development plan. And for Slafkovsky he is set to start the season playing in Montreal.
The Slovakian forward came off an impressive showing at the Buffalo Sabres Prospect Showcase, where Slafkovsky proved to the front office that he is well past the junior level.
But at NHL training camp it was questionable if Slafkovsky would make the NHL roster. For example, the forward played in four preseason games and only recorded one lone assist. It is also worthy to note the role that the winger was playing was top-six minutes averaging 17+ minutes per game.
The Habs start off the NHL season on Wednesday, against the Toronto Maple Leafs. It is expected that Slafkovsky is within the top-12 forwards to start the season and suit up for at least nine NHL games this campaign.
Detroit Looks to Turn Heads this Season
A single-word describes the master plan within the Red Wings organization, it is Yzer-plan. Detroit GM, Steve Yzerman has been trimming and developing the team since the start of their rebuild many years ago. As of this season, it looks as if the Red Wings have a solid opportunity to make a playoff push.
While a divisional playoff spot may be a push for the upcoming season, due to the depthed Atlantic Division. There should be no doubt that the Wings will at least compete for the final wildcard positions. The Yzer-plan has been in full-effect this offseason, as the Red Wings have brought in numerous veterans and rookie players.
The acquisitions of Ben Chiarot, David Perron and Andrew Copp, should bring the team to another level. Chiarot will provide the team with a steady defensive game, while both Perron and Copp bring an increased level of elite goal scoring.
Furthermore, the drafting within the Red Wings' system has been phenomenal. Both Lucas Raymond and Moritz Seider, are looking to improve on their respective rookie campaigns. While lengthy forward Elmer Soderblom will look to make his first-impacts at the NHL level, after making the squad out of training camp.
Detroit is definitely a team that could turn heads throughout the season and you should certainly not count them out for within the playoff push.