I think it's fairly natural that as casual draft watchers, most of us aren't familiar with the whole slate of prospects. And it's very true that a sort of "consensus" is formed early in the season, and sort of sets itself into our collective thoughts as the season progresses. So that if we pick a guy who wasn't really thought of in that groupthink/consensus, we might seem surprised on draft day. But the reality is that the real scouts are watching things closely, and aren't constrained by any global consensus. Plus they are noticing which guys come on later in the year, which guys go on great runs in the playoffs, etc.
There were a few other guys in various places in this year's draft whose stock rose also. Sennecke at the top, others at various places throughout. So Surin went from "consensus" 32-34ish to being our #22 pick? Well don't look at where Tanner Molendyk was ranked last year!
I like that our scouts have their own opinions, and if they spot a trait that might bode well for the future of the player, they make a move. Trading up for the competitiveness of L'Heureux. And I think they saw a similar sort of spark in Surin probably. Or realized that Molendyk's skating was such that even if his draft year stats weren't great, he was due to pop in D+1.
I wasn't paying attention to Surin as a candidate for our pick, but I like what I'm reading so far. I'm glad we didn't pick a guy who was sort of a milquetoast skills guy (a la Tomasino) who might not fit the team's identity. Surin sounds like he has the kind of guts to fit in.
Now let's see some D on Day 2!