Thanks. I just wanted you to expand on the thought.
I still like Danault more.
Nuge gave me a hangover in the Calgary game as frankly even Backlund was far more impactful than him. A specific knock that doesn't go away is that RNH is often ineffective in EV play.
You'd be forgiven for preferring Danault. He's better suited to 3C.
The issue... and we've all seen it... with RNH is that he's a perfectionist who lacks physicality (he's willing, but just not built that way). So when you have a perfectionist like RNH, playing in an offensive role, you'll have exceptional puck possession and will literally dissect the defense when they make a mistake.
When you have a perfectionist like RNH asked to play a defense-first role, well then he's got to be extra perfect and extra cautious, because he doesn't have the physicality to overcome a positional error. And depending on his line mates, that's going to lead to some pretty "boring" games at EV. Limited forecheck and no need for back check (since he'll already be back) and a lot of waiting for opposition mistakes.
That's why a line of Pulju and Hyman (who both cause shit and are defensively responsible) is an ideal line for him. He can trust his line mates a bit more and will be willing to take more risks.
18/19 year old RNH was open to risky plays... I'm sure the coaches are satisfied with "risk free Nuge", but they should encourage him to give himself a little more leash... and playing him with responsible wingers should be one way to see that side of his game again.
There is still some upside in his game if he balances out his overthinking brain/ with his passion and we saw it in the playoffs last year. His 5 EV goals in the playoffs were all pretty huge and only Kane, McD and Hyman scored more. That's pretty solid given his role at EV was largely shutdown.