I think the most unexpected thing for Slavakov is going in the first round of the SHL draft. As an unknown, he ended up going in the 4th round to Newfoundland and struggled in his first year in the SMJHL. Going into the draft, he figured he would be going in the early to mid-2nd round, as while he was working to improve, he was still behind many others. He instead ended up going in the late 1st, 16th overall to the Edmonton Blizzard. He’s still honestly not sure what they see in him but he is of course grateful for everyone in both Newfoundland and Edmonton for allowing him to be put in position to succeed. Being named assistant captain for Newfoundland was a surprise as well, as he was the youngest player on the team, but seems to have earned the respect of the other players and management. While everything has been a roller coaster for Slavakov so far, he looks forward to doing all he can to meet everyone’s expectations.

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