today 14:00
|
Tomáš Tatar is a player for the New Jersey Devils and previously worked for the Montreal Canadiens. They called him from both teams and asked about Slovak super talents. The experienced striker was not surprised that Slafkovský went in the draft from the first place and neither did Nemc’s second place. According to him, the Devils have been convinced of the qualities of a skillful defender for a long time.
Montreal asked me about Juraj and New Jersey about Šimon, reveals TOMÁŠ TATAR
Were you surprised by the results of the draft?
“I’d be lying if I said I didn’t, but on the other hand, I had a hunch that such a scenario could happen. I got calls from Montreal and Jersey. Canadiens asked about Juraj and Jersey about Šimon. I knew about the chance that our club would reach for a defender. Šimon is a great choice. Having number one and number two in the draft is something incredible for Slovakia.”
At your age, you probably still have a lot of hockey ahead of you, but this means that you would also make a living as a scout or manager, what do you say?
“(smile) Rather, I think that it shows the good work of Slovak hockey. Young people get an opportunity in the national team, which is a springboard to the world. But it’s true that I might think about similar things after my career.”
You could experience Slafkovský’s quality for yourself at the world championship in Finland, which is why his position in the unit probably did not surprise you so much.
“I was hoping for a high draft for both guys. However, it doesn’t matter whether you are one or four. You are the first choice for the organization, which is exceptional. Both are well set up and ready. I am also looking forward to Filip Mešár. I haven’t had a chance to play with him yet, but I’ve heard good things about him. We have a very strong vintage. I think it will be reflected in the national team as well.”
Photo gallery
Juraj Slafkovský at the 2022 NHL draft.
Source: Reuters
–
Could the fact that he and Slafkovský are friends help Mešár a little to Montreal?
“They definitely drafted him primarily because of his quality. It’s just a bonus that they’re friends. Maybe he will make the first team sooner. You never know how it’s going to turn out.’
Did it also get you emotionally when you saw two Slovaks at the top of the draft selection?
“Yes, it means a lot in the hockey world. I enjoy it all the more because I know them and we played together.”
Canadiens manager Kent Hughes said that they were charmed by Juraj’s charisma because he is self-confident but not arrogant. Could it decide the choice?
“It can be so, because with similar hockey players, little things decide. Both Juro and Šimon are not conceited, but they have self-confidence. Each of them has qualities. The door has opened for them, it’s up to them to prepare to enter the best league in the world.”
A positive finding is that the Canadiens withstood the pressure surrounding the Canadian hockey player’s draft and chose the best one in their opinion. How about that?
“It’s such a Slovak complex when we think that they favor someone. The NHL is first and foremost a business and they will choose the best. He doesn’t look at the fact that someone is domestic or not.”
What does Montreal’s draft squad have to prepare for now?
“He’s going to be in trouble, but the Montreal fans are pushing the young players. They want them to shine. More pressure will come later when the player is older and more mature. I think they will have patience in the beginning. A young player cannot experience more interest in hockey than in Montreal.”
Would you recommend French lessons for him?
“Yes. The fans really appreciate it when a foreigner comes and learns their language. He will have room for that, as he will spend a significant part of his career there, if not all of it.”
Is he ready to play in the NHL from the fall?
“It is difficult to estimate. It depends not only on his qualities, but also on Montreal’s plan. I wish him to start in the pro league, but a lot will depend on the camp. On the other hand, if he started on a farm, there is no need to panic. The process of young players and their development is always long. It doesn’t mean anything, the team wants the player to be ready. There is no need to rush anything.’
It is said that Šimon Nemec still needs time for the professional league. What do you think about it?
“It is also difficult to estimate. Camp will start and see how it goes. It’s very open. The club can stop him and let him play on the farm first, it’s individual.”
Photo gallery
Šimon Nemec at the 2022 NHL draft.
Source: Reuters
–
You yourself could feel in Helsinki and Tampere that you got a new taste for hockey, not only in the game room with energetic youngsters, but also in your new role as a mentor. Do you agree?
“I didn’t think I was going to play the leader. Everything was from the heart. I wanted to pass on my experience to the guys. I like the national team. I enjoy it all the more when I see that the work is done well. The season in Jersey was not ideal, I did not have enough summer training after a long year in Montreal. I went to a new environment. I think this year will be about something different.’
Weren’t you worried that you would be traded when the market opened, as there were mentions of changes at the club?
“I don’t think it’s going to happen now, but anything can happen. It’s a business. However, after communicating with the manager, I don’t think that will happen.”
–
