For the second straight year, Filip Mesar’s experience in the American League was short-lived. After just two games, one more than last year, the Canadian’s organization decided to send him back to the Kitchener Rangers in the Ontario Junior Hockey League.
• Also read: 5 things to look out for when visiting Alex Ovechkin
Another tough blow for whoever the Habs selected in the first round (26th overall) in the 2022 draft.
Photo agency QMI, JOEL LEMAY
Juraj Slafkovsky met in the Canadian’s locker room after the team’s morning training and didn’t seem too worried about his compatriot and long-time friend.
“He just has to play. To gain self-confidence, like everyone, he needs to gain experience. He is already an excellent player. He has to find his game with the professionals. Once it’s finished, I’m sure it’ll be good. »
“It’s a bit of a step backwards for him, but I’m sure he’ll benefit from it. “I’m not worried about him,” he continued.
Last year in Kitchener, Mesar scored 17 goals and had 34 assists in 52 games. Now that he’s 19 (he turns 20 in January), he’s probably expected to rock the game.
“This happened to him last season and it was very good for his progress. “So if he has more success this year, he will come into next year with even more confidence,” Slafkovsky said.
The problem is that expectations aren’t high in Kitchener this season. Hopefully this will not affect the young man’s development.