Will Smith had a better year in the NCAA than a lot of prospects that were immediately good in the NHL. Why you keep insisting that having a prospect like that in the top 6 is a mistake is ridiculous.
Also have no idea why you think he isn't an NHLer right now.
The Lund line got caved in 5v5 last season. The got some points thanks to an unsustainable shooting percentage to end the year. This point hot streak also happened during a stretch of games that the Sharks played the worst they did all season in a season they were the worst team of the millennia. No reason to go out of their way to keep that line together.
I've got a feeling you're going to be doing a lot of whining this season when they aren't magically competing for the playoffs.
I completely agree that Smith had a fabulous year in the NCAA. I also think he will be an excellent NHler in short course. I'm definitely a fan and very excited for him. In no way am I insinuating that he is some kind of bust...
However, he is also 19 years old, and in the preseason games, he looked a step behind. He did not look like an NHLer to me at either end of the rink. His nuetral zone and D zone play was just not up to par, and he looked overmatched by the speed. Like Musty and Dick, he just didn't look ready. I think he needs a stint in the A as a transition, just like cooch, pavs, meier, and the vast majority of other up and coming stars-to-be. That stint could be as short as 10-20 games if he crushes it, or longer depending on when he looks ready to come up.
I would be very happy to be wrong and watch Smith come out of the gate like gangbusters. I just didn't see it in the games I watched him, and I dont think its useful to have him in the NHL off the bat going pointless in the first 5-10 games. I'd rather he crush it in the AHL, build confidence, and come up a bit more accustomed to the pro game.
As for the lund line, they were literally the only line that could score, so they always matched up against the opposition's best, and every line was overmatched last year. This year, they would be the second line, and thus have a much easier time playing against opposition 2nd pairings nd alot less pressure to carry the team. I thought they were getting better and better working together as the year went on. I also like the roles each plays with granny as the puck carrier and distributor, Ek can pass or score, and Zetts has the rifle shot, finishing skill, and toughness. I'm not overly attached to keeping them together, just that's what I woulda done and give Gush the wing with toffoli and celebrini as I think Gush fits well there with his speed, quickness, and both shooting and passing ability.
I won't be whining, and I'm not whining now. I'm just stating my observations, which some may agree with, and others might not, and thats OK! I fully expect them to suck, but I do want to see good efforts, team structure, and improvement. I also want to see a meritocracy that reward players who are playing well, rather than slotting people in on the basis of their last name or pedigree.