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Bob Hartley Makes a Strong Statement On The Habs Usage of Juraj Slafkovsky

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MarcO
November 8, 2022  (9:09)
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The Montreal Canadiens are in a strange situation this year. In the midst of a rebuilding process where they want to develop the team's many young players internally, the organization is stuck with many veteran heavy contracts that are running out of their last year.

In an effort to try and boost their value, as well as try and make negotiations easier for them, it's easy to see why guys like Evgenii Dadonov, Jonathan Drouin, and Mike Hoffman, are getting millions of chances to potentially get rid of them more easily.

With the surplus of forwards in the lineup, Martin St. Louis is having a hard time juggling all of his players, sometimes to the detriment of the young guys. On that topic, speaking to BPM Sports, contributor Bob Hartley spoke on St-Louis' decisions surrounding the use of Juraj Slafkovsky, as well as his ice time.

"Can we put Slafkovsky with Monahan to give him some hockey? Slafkovsky is no worse than the others. Let's play him! I'm not talking about 25 minutes, but the kid deserves it, he's having fun, he's not impressed or intimidated. Can we give him a hockey player?" - Bob Hartley

It's hard to disagree with the former NHL coach for more than one reason. Since being moved from the first line to be used at center, Monahan has hardly produced at all. Far from being entirely his fault, he's been paired with wingers who don't produce.

If there's one player who's doing well despite his limited ice time, it's Slafkovsky. Outside of the top line of Suzuki, Caufield and Dach, Slaf has been the most productive forward in the Tricolore's last five games, scoring three goals in his last five contests.

Why not use Anderson's two-game suspension to audition the CH's first overall pick to see where he is in his progression and what he can offer with a more offensive center like Monahan.

Plus, if the big Slovak can get him to produce, his value will skyrocket for a potential trade at the trade deadline.

Hartley also showed his displeasure with the use of Evgenii Dadonov, who is expected to be back on the second line for today's game against the Red Wings, with his legendary outspokenness at the end of his segment.

Again, very hard to disagree with the former Quebec head coach's comments.

Credit: HabsolumentFan

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Bob Hartley Makes a Strong Statement On The Habs Usage of Juraj Slafkovsky

Do you think Juraj Slafkovsky should play in our top-six?

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