I like both guys a lot, right now i give it to gus, not by a lot but a decent amount. Really think next year is going to give us an answer.
Tatar came over as an 18 year old to get used to the NA pro game, which very few do, and played great with 32pts in 58games. followed by seasons of 57 in 70, 58 in 76, and last year 49 in 61 plus the 7 in 18 with DET, and 21 in 24 playoff games.
Gus came and played NCAA which he dominated and in his first full pro season had 58 in 56 plus 7 in 18 for DET(if i remember right he had 6a in his first 7games, then got moved down to 4th line min and hit a slump then got his final point on pavs wing with that tap in anyone could hit). in his second season he blew away the AHL and was the scoring leader till his call up with 60 in 58 and he was on fire the last couple weeks before the call up. and put up 8 in 22 for the wings, and really didn't do too much until brunner was moved down. but was great during the playoffs and really showed the potential he had.
Honestly think that Tats got bored playing in the Ahl when he knew he could be with the big club, especially after this seasons call up, he disappeared until the playoffs. In his call up though, i thought he was one of the best forwards on the team, prob top 3, Tats was all over it, loved his game. We all know what youre getting with Gus, hes a playmaker, great vision, fast, can score goals. But i really hope Tatar puts on a show next year and proves hes just as good if not better than gus. AND i 100% agree that a line of Tats Helm Gus could be the scariest 3rd line in the league and could generate almost as much offense as the second line, would love to see it.
my 2cents atleast...