I do think 80% of the league will never be in the top 20% in terms of hockey IQ, regardless of how much they're taught. While the guys with the low IQ are learning, the guys with the high IQ are learning too. It's not like the latter just typically plateau or stagnate.
But the flip side is that even if you're never going to be brilliant in 20% of the situations, you can be rock solid in the most common 80%, thereby increasing your effectiveness and helping to control a game.
I'm fine with taking a late second rounder whose floor is high because he's big and fast and can hit 100+ with his shot, as long as he's (and here's the big thing for me) willing to put in the effort. I think Lou took character and teachability in rounds 2 > end. And, in fact, in reading up on Holmstrom, it seems he did there, too.
Let's see where these guys are in 4 years...
For now, let's please get our captain signed, our goalie of the present signed, and one offensive wizard of the highest order.