It didn't help Lundestrom that Murray 'may' have drafted him because he was a Center who defensively good enough (high floor low ceiling) to play games straight into the NHL to fill in while Kesler was recovering. Madden is quoted is as saying that they've been very successful when they pick 'their guy' meaning some picks were more on the GM. Murray rushed Lundestrom instead of letting him marinate in SHL/AHL.
I remember it being said at the time of his draft that Lundestrom was the most likely pick outside of the top 10 to go straight to the NHL given his high floor. I wonder if Verbeek will move on from him because he now has his own 'high floor' Center prospect in Gaucher.
Murray rushed not only Lundy, but Steel as well. The reason behind that was the mass injuries to our center depth. I recall Getz and Kelser not there at times at the beginning of the season, which is how Lundy and Steel got their call ups. Lundy's defense was so advanced that he lasted longer than Steel to start the season.
Kesler's injury problem started after the 2016-17 season, where we went to the Conference Finals. Conflate that injury with F Eaves' health injury, after signing a 3-year extension and our talent level dropped faster than we can develop youths.
I think our coaching staff sees Lundy as our defensive stalwart. We did try him out at LW during COVD season, but injuries to our center depth happened again and Lundy proved his worth at center. This past year, we've cycled him from center to wing throughout the season.
Maybe it's a psychological thing for Lundy b/c when he was playing in Sweden, his offense shined each time he went back. During COVID season, before the NHL season started up again, Lundy scored 5g + 6a = 11 pts in 12 HockeyAllsvenskan games! (Swedish 2nd men's tier).
As for Gaucher, Verbeek said he's still a couple of years away.