I have literally watched Joker get better all season long. From where he was in training camp+preseason, to where he is now, there’s been a lot of growth.
I also just posted a video from the coach talking about how Joker continues to get better and how he’s nowhere near his ceiling and Buffalo fans should be really excited about that.
I see no reason to think a kid that just turned 20 and hasn’t even played a full season worth of NHL games yet can’t continue to get better. Especially when it comes to things like his shot and skating.
To say an NHL player can’t improve in those areas is just silly...
And that players drafted before him will surely pass him by is also a silly statement.
I mean, couldn’t we also say that he should be BEHIND the players he was drafted in front of, not ahead of (some of) them? And If he’s already ahead of them 2 years into his development, why should we assume that they will for sure pass him by?
But even if he has peaked at 19/20 and this is what he is, I’ll gladly take him. (Btw, how often do NHL d men peak at 19...?)
Personally, I see a potential partner on the top pair with Dahlin for the next decade. At worst, I think he’ll be a #3 (which he’s already well on his way to being).