Does anyone have a breakdown on how many games Wilson actually played on the top line? If memory serves correct he didn't start playing top line minutes consistently until about half way through the season.
I would expect his point value to grow more next year with regular time and familiarity with his line mates.
One thing I will point out is that the idea that you can tag literally anyone into that line with Backstrom and Ovie and they'll flourish is a misconception. There is a reason why that winger spot has been a revolving door of players. This isn't NHL 18 where you simply tap the highest rated guys all onto one line and see it do wonders. role players are so essential. What Wilson brings to the top line maybe doesn't always manifest on the score sheet, but believe me he's making life easier for his line mates. I believe he's a large reason why Backstrom is having a career month and Ovechkin is once again a dominant scorer. Wilson creates space, he creates frustrating match ups, he draws penalties, there's so much that he's doing that is hard statistically support but he's most definitely a top line player.
Is he a top line player else where? I'm not sure, he's not a Marchand or prime Lucic, his value isn't obvious and transferable, he very much so is perfect for the build of the Caps and their top line.
Also griping about his draft position is somewhat moot. Caps maybe did draft the best player in that draft... and then they promptly traded him away. So really in my mind there is no use in splitting hairs about who else could have been taken with Wilson's pick.
