The Canadiens Believe Fans Will Love Juraj Slafkovsky
It was a epic NHL Draft in Montreal the place were hockey is taking as serious as religions so you knew the Canadiens fans were hyped to have their first overall pick in the draft since 1980.
However one thing about fans in Montreal they will let you know if they don't like something. The buzz in the air inside and outside the Bell Centre was Habs fans believing the Canadiens were about to draft Shane Wright first overall.
However when Canadiens General Manager Kent Hughes stepped up to the podium at the Bell Centre to make Juraj Slafkovsky the first Slovakian ever chosen first overall in the NHL Draft it was met with very mixed emotions from the Habs fans in attendance and even more outside the Bell Centre for the watch party their boos were understandable, and even something to be expected.
In a draft marked by the lack of consensus at the top with pandemic development muddling the predictability of the order there were some that we're not going to be happy no matter who they picked.
Just two weeks ago, we jokingly messaged Montreal's general manager: «Just remember that whatever you decide, people are going to love and hate it. Best of both worlds, haha.»
Hughes, well aware of his predicament, responded: «The 50 per-cent Rule that's the best you can hope for!»
Sportsnet's Eric Engels would share the reaction sounded like more than 50 per cent of the fans in attendance were enamoured with the Canadiens choice of Slafkovsky once Hughes announced him but there was alot of Habs fans that
that were clearly wanting Shane Wright.
The Canadiens believe after they realized the other moves made trading away Alex Romanov to the New York Islanders along with picks to use to aquire Kirby Dach from the Chicago Blackhawks fans would see the whole picture of what Kent Hughes did.
Sportsnet also shared prior to the draft when Juraj Slafkovsky
walked the red carpet on his way into the building, he could hear the Canadiens fans who lined the streets booing him.
Hours later, Juraj Slafkovsky is now a member of the Montreal Canadiens. Slafkovsky would also share a message to the Fans in Montreal:
«I think it's about hockey it is their passion as well as mine,» he started. «And maybe some of them didn't like me, but I will do everything so that I will play good for this team, and they will actually maybe like me one day.»
- Juraj Slafkovsky
As a Montreal Canadiens fan myself I loved this pick. I'll admit I would of taken Shane Wright also but after the trades Kent Hughes made to acquire Kirby Dach along with a new winger to play with Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki I'm hyped for next season. #GOHABSGO
