I wouldn't disagree that he is an above average to exceptional shooter in his draft class. That does not put him on par with Sakic/Kovalchuk who are physically mature, proven snipers in the NHL.
I've seen you argue this point about PK using the WJC to show scouts that he is more then just a sniper. I just don't buy it. These guys go to the WJCs for one reason and one reason only ... to win Gold. Why would he have this alternate agenda that strays away from his core strengths? Why would his coach allow him to play for the scouts rather then for his team. Obviously he would like the world to see that he is more then just a sniper, but why would he push it to the detriment of his game? I just think that he did not have a great tournament, regardless of his final standing in the stats race. Take away the Norway game and he was a point per game player with 1G 5A in his other 6 games and he only had 1A in those games at even strength.
He is a legitimate top prospect in his draft class, but some people make him out to be the next generational talent, which just isn't fair to him. His top end potential could put him as one of the top goal producers in the NHL in the future, but as a prospect, he still has a long way to go to come close to realizing that potential. I really don't think he will step into the NHL as an 18 year old and if he does, it could end up being a mistake and hurt his development. He probably needs at least another year as a top line forward (he should be put on the wing), getting lots of minutes and being able to improve against lesser opposition.
He hasn't taken a step back in his development, but others are closing the gap. I believe that EJ has passed him to take the #1 ranking. Other players might end up ahead of him by draft day as well ... the season is still young and the Under 18 World Championship will reveal a little more as to where these players stack up against one another.