New Jersey Devils notes: On Slafkovsky's skating, Kuokkanen, and Daws

Did you know Juraj Slafkovsky was one of the fastest skaters in the SM-liiga last season? You're about to!

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A few New Jersey Devils notes as we wait for the Stanley Cup Final to conclude, opening the door for off-season fun to begin:

On Slafkovsky’s skating

I’ll start with Juraj Slafkovsky because he’s likely going to become the newest core piece of the New Jersey Devils in less than two weeks.

In scouting reports about big players – such as Slafkovsky – you generally hear any positive remarks about their skating attached with ‘for his size’. He skates well for his size; he has good top speed for his size. Rarely is it a standalone comment. In many cases, rightfully so.

But Slafkovsky is someone who doesn’t just skate well for a 6’4’ power forward; he skates well by any standard.

One of the great things about SM-liiga – as opposed to some other professional leagues overseas – is that they have more advanced data readily accessible. Not just in terms of on-ice metrics, which I recently dove into; but unique individual tracking data.

For example, you can see the top registered speed of everybody who played in a game. Slafkovsky’s was quite high.

Of the 104 rookies to dress in Finland last season, Slafkovsky’s top speed of 38.77 KM/H (roughly 24 MP/H) was the fourth highest. Two of the three ahead are 24 years old, with the exception being 20.

The average age of rookies is obviously younger than that of players who have already established themselves as regulars.

So, how does Slafkovsky compare when including the league’s more developed and established players? Very good!

Of the 317 eligible forwards, Slafkovsky’s top speed in the regular season tied him for 16th highest. That’s pretty damn impressive considering he didn’t turn 18 until March 30.

Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying Slafkovsky is the perfect skater. There is room to tidy his footwork and gain more explosiveness in his first few strides.

With that said, he is noticeably agile and comfortable carrying the puck up ice; and, clearly, his top speed is quite high.

He should have no problem keeping up with New Jersey’s batch of young stars and the fast-pace style they play.

Janne’s new calling card?