If you’re a 5OV in your D+2 WJC and you’re not the one of the pre-tournament favorites for MVP, something went wrong. He should run over this tournament and be the leader in scoring.
It’s not a matter of
should. I’m sure he will produce well, but he’s not the player you’re describing, so that’s not the bar I’m setting.
He’s not my idea of a 5th overall talent. He’s a support shooter who relies on rush chances or others giving him the puck on loop. “Dominant” is not how I’d describe his game, hatty or not. He's maybe the 3rd best player on his own BC team, and I’m sure Perreault-Smith-Leonard will be the top line for USA.
Honestly? I don’t even care what he does in a tournament. MVP or mild disappointment, it’s not changing my opinion. I’d rather see projectable growth in certain areas — here and at BC.