Dynamic duo in the goalie pipeline, part 2

Slukynsky, measuring in at 6’1”, 190 lbs, was drafted straight out of high school, where he notched an astonishing 28-1-1 record as well as a .941 save percentage. He also took home the Frank Brimsek Minnesota Goalie of the Year award, making him just the 29th goalie to win it. 

Slukynsky brings with him a cool nickname, “Hammer,” as well as a very interesting backstory. In an interview with John Hoven of Mayor’s Manor just after the 2023 draft, he said that he “never had [a goalie coach]. I kind of just played for fun and worked hard at it; I’ve done my own thing. I’d stay on after practice, when nobody’s on the ice, whatever I could do. I would learn from YouTube videos and stuff like that.”

Slukynsky also turned to unorthodox methods to physically work on his skills. “When I found out [pitching machines] were only 40 or 50 bucks, I got one. It’s been in my basement ever since and I use the pitching machine for 30-45 minutes every day….those little yellow balls used in the skills pitching machines, they curve a little bit, so it’s good,” the netminder added. These quirks are just a small part of what makes Hammer a fascinating prospect.

The year after his draft, and his first year with a real goalie coach, Slukynsky completely took over the USHL with the Fargo Force, finishing with a 28-3-0 record and a .923 save percentage. He finished first in the league in save percentage, goals allowed average (1.86), win percentage (.824), and shutouts (5). His red-hot performance continued into the playoffs, leading the Force to the Clark Cup with a 9-3-0 record and a .931 save percentage. Slukynsky was named the USHL Goalie of the Year for the 2023-24 season and received consideration for USHL Rookie of the Year for the year he had.

Before this season, people asked the same questions of Slukynsky. How will he adjust to a new league? Is he too small to make it as a goaltender in the NCAA? So far, Slukynsky has been tearing up his new league once again with the Western Michigan Broncos. His .949 save percentage leads the entire NCAA, and he’s been quite the story so far in his new league. Despite only playing five games so far, he keeps impressing with every passing game, and recently won NCHC Rookie of the Week honors, as well.

What does Slukynsky’s path to the NHL look like?

It entirely depends on his play. The LA Kings have until June of 2026 to tender an entry-level contract to the young goaltender. I would imagine they’d want Slukynsky to get a taste of pro hockey during that deal. If he continues this fantastic run in the NCAA, I would imagine that he’d finish this year and next year in the NCAA, then move over to the AHL where he’d follow a similar developmental model to Carter George; a year as backup in the AHL, a year as starter in the AHL, and then limited NHL minutes. There is a chance that we might even see a George-Slukynsky pairing in the AHL in a few years.

What kind of goalie does Slukynsky project as?

He’s eerily similar to Quick. You see the same highlight-reel saves, the same dominant play, the same athleticism. His composure, poise, and leadership qualities point to someone who will be a surefire playoff performer. Of course, success is not guaranteed, but Slukynsky is one of the top goalie prospects outside the NHL right now. He’s earned the hype and then some.