I admit I was one of the skeptics when he first came onto the team; I was thrilled with his heroics against the Rangers in the playoffs, but I honestly thought he was gonna be a one-dimensional shooter that had no ability to play in his own zone....Despite being 5'4, myself, as a rule, I don't really like seeing the B's employ Dmen who are under 6' at all.
And God I am SO glad I am not a hockey scout. He has made me eat crow more than a dozen times, since. I used to cringe when he'd have to play in his own zone; but since the past year or so, I now feel no need to worry when he has to do that. He's shown time and time again he is more than capable of handling defensive duties, even with his lack of size. And that's not even to mention his scrappiness! I was excited to see him go at Shaw, for example.
I have yet to buy a B's jersey, but if I do, i'm seriously considering it as a toss up between Chara (Out of respect for a great B's captain who's won the cup and been a great face for the franchise for years) or Krug, who is the future of the team. I hope he heals up quick, because this team definitely needs him, McAvoy or no.