Chicago Steel forward Josiah Slavin is no stranger to Chicago, having been drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks in the 7th round of the 2018 NHL Draft. His trade to the Steel was just a coincidence, although, Steel General Manager Ryan Hardy had his eyes on the Erie, CO native for quite some time.
“Christmas time last year (2017) he (Slavin) was really on nobody’s draft radar,” Hardy stated “and I talked to the Lincoln Stars’ General Manager and planted the seed, that if the situation presented itself, I would be interested in obtaining him.”
That opportunity came on January 22 this season, as the Steel traded for Slavin in a multi-player deal. Since joining the Steel, Slavin has eleven points (4 goals, 7 assists) while adding a big body in front on the power play, a scoring threat and overall 200-foot effort.
“He really added to our culture we have here in Chicago,” said Hardy, “It’s been a perfect fit. As a player, he’s really smart and can really score. His maturity and appetite to be better every single day is outstanding. He’s a really great person”
The Colorado College commitment has played 153 USHL games over the past three seasons, accumulating 90 points (43 goals, 47 asssits) and looks to help guide the Steel this season on a long playoff run.
Around the scouting circles, Slavin has the work ethic and determination to be good at the next level. His glaring need for the NHL would be his skating ability. Hardy has seen first-hand the extra time Slavin has put into his skating skills and would not be shocked to see Slavin in a Chicago Blackhawks’ uniform in the future.
“He’s the type of player that goes from unknown to the NHL, he’s that good,” stated Hardy.
Former Blackhawks’ head coach Joel Quenneville was also impressed with Slavin at the Blackahwks’ 2018 development camp, “The kid that might have impressed me the most was Josiah Slavin. He looks like he could be a player.”
For now, you can see Slavin and his Chicago Steel teammates, as they host the Dubuque Fighting Saints, this Saturday March 2 at Fox Valley Arena in Geneva, IL , for a 7:05 p.m. puck drop. For future games, click HERE for the Chicago Steel schedule.
Slavin scoring on February 1 this season for the Chicago Steel
Josiah Slavin is on 🔥🔥🔥 with his new team!@ChicagoSteel #WhosNext pic.twitter.com/y6KnIdIX5a
— USHL (@USHL) February 2, 2019
Slavin at the Chicago Blackhawks Development Camp in July 2018 from the Rinks very own Eric Andrews
Josiah Slavin has a good first step. pic.twitter.com/4lDhRx3UZD
— Eric Andrews (@WALaxer19) July 17, 2018