Yeah, I mean JV might be what he is going to be already, and if that's the case, he's still a useful player. His draft position no longer matters, especially when you consider the steals we got in Brock, Pettey, and Hughes at their draft positions. Keep adding useful players through the draft, and that stuff works itself out in the wash.
But I can't really agree with anyone that says Jake hasn't shown progression. He's certainly not the player he was when he entered the league. Much more complete player. Effort, especially defensively is much more consistent. And his offensive game has become more patient and possession oriented that it used to be. He's improved every year as a pro, and no reason to think at 23 there's no more room for growth.
He's never going to be a 30-30 guy like his draft status wanted him to be. But as long as he can score 15-20 goals, while being excellent at transition, physical and sound defensively then he's a piece we should all be happy to have. The only negative to Jake is his original draft status, but that's meaningless at this point. Judge him by what he does on the ice, and in relation to his cap hit, and he brings value and utility.
He can still work on the consistency of his effort night in, night out. But that's already much improved. He's now a professional, not just an immature kid living like a rock star. I would like to see him get some PK looks as well. Think that's the one thing missing from JV's game, is a place on special teams.
But I can't really agree with anyone that says Jake hasn't shown progression. He's certainly not the player he was when he entered the league. Much more complete player. Effort, especially defensively is much more consistent. And his offensive game has become more patient and possession oriented that it used to be. He's improved every year as a pro, and no reason to think at 23 there's no more room for growth.
He's never going to be a 30-30 guy like his draft status wanted him to be. But as long as he can score 15-20 goals, while being excellent at transition, physical and sound defensively then he's a piece we should all be happy to have. The only negative to Jake is his original draft status, but that's meaningless at this point. Judge him by what he does on the ice, and in relation to his cap hit, and he brings value and utility.
He can still work on the consistency of his effort night in, night out. But that's already much improved. He's now a professional, not just an immature kid living like a rock star. I would like to see him get some PK looks as well. Think that's the one thing missing from JV's game, is a place on special teams.