He's been battling a lower battle injury that caused him to miss a game. I think he was playing 4th line LW/2nd PP unit against BC on Monday at Beanpot. I wouldn't say he's progressing amazingly, but he's only a third round pick and still pretty young as a college player for a strong team like BU.
Trying to make some sort of statement based on averages and people "taking spots" doesn't make much sense. There is no specific American or Draft Year quota. Some years end up stronger than others... The 1985 birth year collectively accounted for 20,913 NHL points while the 1986 birth year only collectively accounted for 13,114 NHL points.
Just limited to Americans, 04 has projected as a very good year for Forwards for quite some time (and reflected in draft status). Compare that to say, 03s, where you may have to really stretch things to find a future Top 6 forward in the group (Chaz Lucius or bust? After that it's like... Jackson Blake, Dylan Duke, Sam Lipkin, Jack Devine?)...