Not flat out disagreeing with you and the ‘per say’ qualification is noted but after last year’s underwhelming production he really does have to put up points.
But all in all you’re right. And of course effort and production isn’t mutually exclusive. Would be crazy if he put in consistent effort and didn’t produce again
I don't see why, we saw Kidney put up 210 points in 126 games but what did that tell us about him? If you didn't see him play you would think that's outstanding production but then you see that he's smallish, skinny, lacks strength, skating, speed and mainly just can pass the puck. In the AHL he's got a lot to overcome, the skills are there, the smarts, he seems to work hard but those lack of physical tools are so tough to gauge how a player will adjust to the next level.
With Mesar we know he can pass the puck, he's put up points in the WJC"s at 18, I would expect more of the same this year. He is clearly quick and has impressive vision and playmaking abilities. He can rush the puck up ice in a hurry and enter the zone at high speed, things we need. But the points don't tell the full story as he's small, weak physically as he's easily pushed off pucks in the OHL, and clearly doesn't always want to put in the effort consistently.
Laval will be an interesting test for him next year, especially depending on what happens with Houle who's in the last year of his contract at the moment.
