BringTheReign
Registered User
If he was guaranteed to turn into what he is now, then yes. Most redrafts have him going 3rd, and that's after McDavid and Eichel. In a typical draft I think he's at least a #2, he's a first line center - if not a franchise center.
I'd be ecstatic if whoever we pick at #2 puts up those kind of numbers.
Barzal also plays on a team the predominantly relies upon defensive hockey; it's the Kopitar argument we've had with all the other fanbases. Kopi playing for a high-tempo team like the Avs, Lightning, etc. could likely be PPG+ every year, but instead we have a 0.8-0.9 PPG elite 2-way centerman.
I'm not saying Barzal is an elite 2-way centerman, but I do believe his point totals are deflated by who he plays with and how Trotz has the team play. I mean, he's benched every once in a while because of it.