montrealgazette.com
Summarize this content to 100 words:
Filip Mesar still has time on his side, considering he’s only in his second pro season with the Laval Rocket.
But as a first-round draft choice (26th overall) in 2022 by the Canadiens, the Slovakian also realizes the expectations are greater — especially since he was selected in the same round as countryman
Juraj Slafkovsky, the first overall pick
.
While Slafkovsky is thriving with the Canadiens, Mesar is languishing in the AHL. And comparisons between the two won’t cease.
“I wouldn’t say pressure. I’d say expectations,” Mesar said this week after a practice at Place Bell. “I put pressure on myself mostly and, to be honest, I expect way more from myself. I feel the fans expect more from me. I’m trying to do my best.”
But the question remains,
will Mesar’s best be good enough
to make it to the Canadiens or another NHL team?
“Every season is very important,” said Mesar, 22. “As you’re getting older, it’s even more important. Each year, they’re getting more draft picks. I try to do my best out there and not pay attention to what’s happening around me. Focus on my game.”
Mesar had five goals and 11 assists in 44 games heading into Wednesday night’s home game against Utica. He’s one of only three Laval players who haven’t missed a contest.
The 5-foot-10, 181-pound forward started the season with two goals and five assists in his first 14 games, so his productivity has decreased. And while he had 4-14-18 totals in 42 games as a rookie last season, it could be argued
more is expected from a player who is highly skilled and creative
.
Mesar also got off to a quick start as a rookie, with five points in five games before a lower-body injury sidelined him for nearly two months.
“I feel pretty good on the ice, although I’ve been struggling with being more effective,” he said. “I create chances for myself. I’ve just got to finish them. That’s why I feel I’ve been struggling this year.
“Goals are an important stat, but if you want to win hockey games, you have to add details to your game as well. I feel I got way better in my game without the puck and in the defensive zone as well. I’m trying to do the simple things if I’m struggling a bit with my production. I’m the type of player who can create and score. That’s very important to me. I want to be better at that.”
Perhaps the biggest knock against Mesar’s progression is that he dressed for only one playoff game last season as Laval reached the Eastern Conference final before being swept by Charlotte. If that means Mesar isn’t built for the post-season, he nonetheless appears to have gained the confidence of head coach
Pascal Vincent,
who said Mesar is coachable, works hard and is a good teammate.
“I like where his game is going,” Vincent said. “I like his pace. I saw a guy who had pace with the puck last season. Now, he has pace without the puck. If he does that, he’s going to give himself a chance. Is it going to work or not? For some players, having that stamp of being a first-round pick helps. For others, it’s in the way. Because of his size, if he can continue to develop that offensive side, plus his defensive pace and the compete level that he has, who knows?
“He was drafted in the first round because of what he did at lower levels,” Vincent added. “How does that translate to the pro level? It’s not always the same. Sometimes it’s a matter of opportunity. Does the team that drafted you have a spot or not? Are there a lot of competitors for that position? The team in Montreal is very young and there are a lot of people there. He’s got to compete with them.”
And the game waits for no one. Mesar must be aware forwards Michael Hage and
Alexander Zharovsky
are lurking in the wings. Hage, 19, is playing at the University of Michigan and was selected 21st overall in 2024. He could turn pro after his collegiate season. Zharovsky, 18, was taken 34th overall last season and is the favourite to be named the KHL’s outstanding rookie.
hzurkowsky@postmedia.com
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