Where are people getting these injury reports on Brule? I know he is playing hurt, and it's something to do with his elbow, but where are people coming up with surgery and separated shoulder? I've not heard anything like that...
The Brule not being invited to camp because he is a centre argument does not hold water. There are always centres playing out of position on Canadian teams, and if you ask me, Brule looks like a perfect candidate to be converted to wing, especially when he reaches the NHL.
On the other hand, I don't think it's fair to compare Ladd and Brule based on WJs. Older players always have the edge because it is a 19 year old's tournament, and the need for the experience, strength and maturity that comes with age is emphasized because of that. Plus, Ladd is an 85, not an 86, so he is really two years older than Brule (birth month does not matter - I realize Ladd is Dec and Brule is Jan - it's years of hockey experience that matter). I would also agree with the argument that Ladd only made the team because of chemistry with Getzlaf, and add to that Sutter's familiarity with him from playing in the same division (familiarity was clearly a factor in Sutter's selection process).
To the original question: after watching Brule over the past two years, and I think my opinion is as unbiased as it can be considering I'm a Giants fan, I think he will have trouble living up to the hype. I don't think he'll ever be a dominant player in the NHL, and I think his size WILL catch up to him. He has a great shot and excellent hand eye coordination, but I think his skating might be slightly overrated. He's a very good skater, but I don't know that he has top flight NHL speed, which I think he needs to be a great offensive player at the next level. His passing and vision are decent, but he's really a goalscorer. His grit and determination will take him a long way, I think, but not past a very good second line player who can do everything. 50-60 points a season (if scoring stays similar to now) in his prime would be a success if he can become the well rounded player I think he can.