Yeah, prior to this year, on what basis could you rank Stramel highly? Because he was drafted in the 1st round? Because he was tall? Facts were that he had two mediocre to bad seasons in a row, and couldn't even get regular TOI on his college team. Historically that doesn't bode well for prospects.
I had compared him unfavorably to Trent Frederic, another WI C who is now a solid, if uninspiring bottom six guy in the NHL. Frederic was a P/pg guy in his D+1 and D+2 years in college- played with Kunin, I believe. So far, Stramel isn't in the same universe as Frederic points wise, and it's not like Frederic was/is a shrinking violet. He's 6'3", tough, and plays a decent defensive game. In college he was depended upon to be more of a scorer, of course.
As of now, a ceiling of Frederic is just about the best we can hope for from Stramel, unless something clicks with him. I might move Stramel up in the prospect rankings, but that's more about disappointing showings from other prospects above him like Peart.
Marat spent 3+ seasons in the KHL. He doesn't need time in Iowa, but contractually, we can't send him down there anyway, so the point is moot. It's either the NHL, or KHL.