In his second professional season, it's fair to say that Juraj Slafkovsky's performances are inconsistent.
Despite showing flashes of brilliance on occasion, the achievements of the 2022 first overall pick aren't reflected on the scoresheet. He has just one point in eight games, and it came in the season opener.
In connection with his young protege, Martin St-Louis made a strong statement that says a lot about the 19-year-old Slovak.
"I'm very encouraged by his development over the past 12 months. He's getting to the puck much more frequently than last year. He's in the right places. I'm eager to see where he'll be in another 12 months."
The coach acknowledges that Juraj Slafkovsky's confidence is delicate, but even if he's not achieving offensive success, St-Louis is pleased with his performance. He also added an important nuance to keep in mind when analyzing Slaf's performance in relation to his output.
"Of course, scoring a goal, accumulating points, helps a player. But we shouldn't focus solely on the result," he added. "That's why I often remind him that the process is what's important."
In conclusion, the former Tampa Bay Lightning star said that the young Slovak's development is on track.
"And managing all of this on your own, at 19 years old, isn't easy. So, we make sure to support him."
It's reassuring to hear from St-Louis that he's pleased with the young player's development. Some players develop in junior or the AHL before making a solid transition to the NHL, while others, like Slaf, learn the hard way in the world's top league.
What's essential is not his immediate performance but what it will be in three or four years when the team is aiming for long-term results and championships.