Very difficult to contend with what suzi and KK are this year, understandably.
Yes they will improve. But we don't know when they'll get to the next level.
The best you can hope for is that these guys have a bubble type performance if the team makes the playoffs.
I think the game plan this year was based alot on what we saw in the bubble. Suzuki carried it over to this season for a while, but he's clearly not consistent enough yet to take it to the next level.
I've seen improvements in KKs consistency, and maybe he will be that physical force again in the playoffs. He has toned that element down this year, because you can't play like that all year, but he could ramp it up again. This season has been good for him in the sense that you can see more and more that he's going to be a heck of a player as he continues to mature.
I was hoping for more out of these guys particularly because there is a better supporting cast on the wings this year, but all it takes is hitting your peak at the right time, and the dynamics can change pretty quick.
If this team is to make noise, it's going to be a similar recipe to the bubble. They need Price to find that level again, as well as Suzuki and KK. That will help mask some of the defensive zone issues, which I don't think there is a realistic solution for.
It's hard to keep an even keel on young players, because their play is so volatile, and I get caught up in that trap too, but based on what I'm seeing now, I feel like KK will be a consistent beast, and it's just a matter of time. As for Suzuki, I'm not quite sure. Hes talented enough for sure, and that alone makes him a safe bet for top 6. However, I'm not sure his game translates to one where he will be consistent enough to reach another level past your prototypical top 6 guy. His swings have been even wilder than KK IMO.