I wasn't sure about this guy in his draft year...had many a debate with TT over him as I thought he was overrated and kept advising him not to draft him (he went before we picked).
As was suggested..can drive you crazy after awhile....floats around doing nothing far too often...hits with his ass most of the time...thinks he's a finesse player when he should be playing like a power forward...he can fight but not as smartly as Prust. Always left me wanting more...and questions about his hockey sense/maturity didn't help.
On the other hand..
the cost was low for a former top 12 pick from just 6 years ago, he is just entering his prime..presumably has done some maturing..he brings imposing size to the lineup and is hard to contain on the cycle when he chooses to play a power game. He has a hard shot, can distribute the puck, and will score some goals. If he plays close to his potential...guess what....he's a second-line right winger.
I don't mind the gamble...have DSP, Holloway and Kassian battle along with the likes of Andrighetto, Hudon Scherbak Thomas,,..perhaps DLR....,for a second-line spot on right wing. That's a pretty nice mix...and I don't think it is unrealistic to hope for at least one of them to earn a top-six spot.
If anyone can simplify his game..and that's what needs to be done with him..north south and less east-west,..it's Therrien