I am not sure I understand that logic. The Swedish Elite League is weaker in talent than the AHL. I was watching some Jets Prospects videos on You Tube, and nothing in Gustafsson's game stands out to me. Good positioning is his strength from what I can tell. I think he is a development option to replace Lowry, if we lose him. But I honestly would not rank him ahead of Mc Kenzie, who came from the powerhouse Winterhawks program. Then there is Kovacevic. As for Smith, I don't know how to judge the USHL but our amateur scouts are certainly scouring it for talent.
I don't know what rationale you're struggling with, but it is far harder for an 18 year old to score in a men's league than it is for a 20 year old to score against a bunch of teenagers.
We know that players who score like Gus have been more successful on average than players like McKenzie and Smith - far more successful.
McKenzie is in the same class of prospect as DeLeo, Lipon and probably a bit behind Kosmachuk. Good picks, there is some upside, but he's a long shot.
Smith is below that. He's got some physical skills, but he's clearly never put it all together.
I'm excited for Gus to come over and get placed in a more offensive role. He's done well in a men's league at 17 and 18. That doesn't come easily.