In another thread, a member stated Mo had hit a plateau (and that ASP was the only potential 1st round home run pick). Below is my response.
Plateaued? He came into the League and instantly began playing 22 plus minutes per game. However, what has changed going into his 3rd season is who he is playing against and the situations he is now placed. He is clearly the #1 d'man and, as such, consistently plays against the best forwards on the other team. Yet, even over this progression, his play hasn't slipped. In this season, at the 1/4 mark he is on track to have his best year in the NHL. How is that leveling off in play?
He is 22 and securely the #1 d'man on this team and top 20 in the League. Is he closing down the top lines? Yes. How do we know.... He is a plus 4 with 16 points in 23 games, averaging near 23 minutes a game.
He'll continue to improve.
Was he the steal of the draft? Hind sight is 20/20. The pick has been well discussed but since that time only 2 below him even merit a discussion. Zegras and Cozens. No d'man in this draft comes close, and Byram was selected before him.
Screwed in the lotto, again. Thin D group. Top 3 forwards gone (deservedly so) and the top rated D man taken. The Kings make a colossal blunder and take Turcotte. Wings come up to bat...... and hit a HOME RUN!
NHL Entry Draft 2019 - full list of selections with facts and stats.
www.eliteprospects.com