Lol, I told everyone last year that Da Costa is NHL ready but had terrible conditioning skills. He worked on it this past off-season and guess what now? He looks completely NHL ready.
You can't attribute last year to this year, this year Da Costa looks stronger, better and more determined.
Also, last year we never had a pure scoring winger who needed a playmaker on his line like Ryan.
I honestly think you're statements are completely about Da Costa's stats and how much games he played LAST year. Also, he doesn't nearly do as many bone-headed moves as Spezza for a guy who plays identically like him as a playmaker and dangler who needs to be fancy once in a while(Cue everyone assuming I'm saying he's better than Spezza)
Its more about the fact I think we have better players out there.
You make him sound like he's going to be a PPG consistent NHLer. Obviously he COULD be, but highly highly unlikely.
IMO, the best players should be brought up, and Da Costa has been good, but others have been more consistently impressive as far as prospects go.
The problem with bonehead moves from Da Costa, is that he doesn't have enough strength currently to get the points Spezza does. Yes, he's creative, but he has poor finish. He has things he needs to work on. In theory, Da Costa has great skills, but they haven't translated all that well into the NHL at this point.
I am not saying I want to lose him. I just think that there are players that we have that have done a better job then he has. Maybe its because of their upbringing, but even so, the best player should play and I don't think its been Da Costa. I'd rather a player who actually gets points, than who looks fancy trying to.
I do like the idea of bringing along a few extra forwards and giving them a chance to prove their stuff at an NHL level.
But at the end of the day, whatever happens, I trust our coaches.