Crankshaft oil slinger

I disassembled my slant timing cover few months ago.
Today at last got time to install new chain and sprochets, gasket, seal, damper, radiator.

After everything in place I noticed this damn slinger in the table.
This happens when there is much time between disassembly and assembly.. didnot remember this part at all.

Anybody else forgot this? How important it is?
I assume new crank seal is much better than old neopreme, so it would not leak so easily, or will it?