He started in the top six in 2022, 2023, and 2024 and lost that job all three times.
Did he get to play PP1 during the years to boost his confidence etc? Or even this year? It's not like Panarin nor Zibanejad and others produce that much on 5v5 anymore? They could've thought longterm and give players that actually can bring the franchise forward some real opportunities to grow and develop. You don't draft a player so early and handle him like that. Montreal handles Slafkovsky a lot better for an example and he's not been any better than Kakko ever was. But that argument is not even needed to make my point.
Also? Ever heard about consistency? Give a youngster time and work together with him, not against him. Yeah whatever, keep convincing yourself I really don't give a sh*t.
Last but not least, let's see when he gets good line mates like he had now with Cuylle and Chytil but in another franchise and perhaps some PP time. Because he's been more than good with them and he sure h'll is a contributing factor.
I'm actually more convinced he'll be good than fail somewhere else.
He's not that good at defense. That's something Rangers fans made up high on copium.
Lol. You are just full of it. Let's see how he does in the 4 nations against the best will we? And if his numbers happened only because of Cuylle carrying him.