There was hype and I certainly helped that hype. The book isn’t written on Mittelstadt (or Jost) yet. Buffalo did the right thing too late on the reversal of their course.
Jost was certainly rushed. I’d argue Mittelstadt was put in a worse situation to start... especially being thrust into a dysfunctional franchise with too much riding on his shoulders to replace ROR. Not an excuse though, if he busts, it is on him. Talent almost always wins out, and is likely neither are talented enough to be impact players. Mittelstadt’s time in the AHL did him good. He’ll have to translate that to the NHL next season.
Last season right after the deal, Jost was to be Kadri’s LW with Burkie at the RW. This was stated by Sakic after the trade.