Roadhouse
Bring me back to 2006...
Most of KK's detractors were responding to the hyperbolic expectations placed on this kid. His fans were proclaiming him a #1 center when he hadn't proved anything yet. Despite his decent run in these playoffs he still hasn't proven he can be a top-six center. He is 7th in points on the team and has the 2nd worst +/-. If his critics say he will not be a top-line center is that really calling him a bust or just being realistic about this kid's skill set? Personally, I see him as a 3rd line center and these playoffs haven't shown me he has it to be anything more.
You want to see what a young top-line center looks like? Take a gander at his teammate: Nick Suzuki. And not in these playoffs. In last year's playoffs. Compare Suzuki from last year to KK of this year and there's a world of difference in quality between these players. Having said that, I'm not calling KK a bust. I'm just saying he won't be a quality top 6 center and many of his detractors were saying the same thing.
I agree with almost everything you say...though I'm not convinced he doesn't have in him to not b a 2nd line C. I still see that. And I hope that the organization does. 'CAuse if not, well you better trade him. If that guy only has an upside as a 3rd line C in reality, I would bet other teams think he has more than that. Hence a great value. We will see what they do. Personally, and what I think will happen, is that this guy is a keeper. And will be a 2nd line C. Not sure why he wouldn't evolve the way a guy like William Karlsson evolved.
But yes, the famous KK detractors that some are talking about were mostly people who didn't believe in what THEY were preaching which was, ship Danaut to the moon, give JK IMMEDIATELY top 6 action and insanely tough assignments and you'll see him blossom. It would not have happened. It might though in the near future.
Right there with you guys. 2C or 3C doesn't matter to me, I am abzzzzolutely fine with him being one of two middle-six C for the next 10-15 years in MTL. KK's development has not stopped and Price won't all of sudden be useless tomorrow morning.
We're in much better shape than some of straight up doom & gloom posts from the last ~year or so made it out to be. On the up & up since 2020 Draft. That includes KK. The meat will come.