Ray Ferraro clarifies Canadiens' GM's comments on Juraj Slafkovsky

It seems a lot of people have the wrong idea on comments Montreal Canadiens GM Kent Hughes made on number one draft pick Juraj Slafkovsky. So much so, that former NHLer and broadcaster Ray Ferraro has felt the need to clarify those comments.

A story that circulated earlier this this week quoted Hughes as calling Slafjovsky's preseason play so far "under-whelming", adding the 18-year-old may just start the season in the AHL. Many took that as meaning the Canadiens were disappointed in their number one pick, and perhaps even regretting taking him so high. Ferraro, who was interviewing Hughes with colleague Darren Dreger when he made the comments, says nothing could be further from the truth.

"To add context to this - Kent Hughes wasn't/isn't disappointed, isn't questioning the pick," said Ferraro on Twitter. "He said Slafkovsky looked great at rookie tourney and in camp scrimmages and then had 2 underwhelming games. Said 1000% part of development. Many have misrepresented his comments."

While it seems NHL rosters are getting younger and younger, that doesn't mean every 18-year-old is NHL ready, even those drafted first overall. Slafkovsky has the North American style of the game to get used to, and may very well take some time to do that. Two preseason games simply isn't a big enough sample size to make a judgement either way. Should Slafkovsky start the season in the minors, fans should not see that as a sign that the youngster is already a bust. Slafkovsky, and any other player, needs time before any solid determination can be made.

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