Copp & Jack arent top six players, no one wishes they were more then PMO especially at 2C.......but they aren't at least on this team with our wingers on the top two lines. Neither have been able to capture centre roles on a perm basis. Both look like good 3rd line players (C/W), I can't see either being a top six guy any where.
Niku, is Niku he isn't NHL level at this point, hopefully he has a big year this upcoming year & stays healthy......then we'll see.
Players can complain about usage, but they better have skill level or close to what they need to get the role they want to at least make it debatable. Laine, ok that's a fair discussion to have. Copp, Jack & Niku have nothing to complain about regarding usage........if anything they should take a good look in the mirror before being upset with coaches. To be clear Copp & Jack, neither have demanded a top six role.......albeit Copp politely stated he was confident in his ability to give it a shot (which is fine). IMO as long as both get 3rd line ice time & usage on special teams (mostly PK, more so Copp) then they should be happy b/c they are 3rd line players. Jack isn't beating out any of our top six wingers (neither is Copp) and Copp hasn't produced at a 2C rate when given the chances........none of that is on PMO, that's on the players.