..potentially due to the fact that it seems these kids have come up short of my expectations these last few years.
That's true for some of them for sure. I guess it's really a mixed bag that we sometimes overlook (or I admit, we sometimes have unrealistic expectations also). Guys like Boychuk, Dalpe, Nash, Sanguinetti have yet to live up to expectations in the NHL, but others have so hopefully a couple of them can break-through this season.
My view:
Brandon Sutter was a young guy who IMO, met and exceeded expectations
Skinner exceeded expectations (so far).
Faulk has at a minimum, met expectations (so far)
Tlusty looks like he's starting to get to a point where he will meet expectations.
McBain: I think he's met initial expectations (late 2nd round pick), but fallen short of the ballooned expectations of some that came about after his initial 14 games.
Bowman: For me he's about where I'd expect given his draft position. I think some expected him to be more of a scorer, but if he can be a reliable 2-way 3rd/4th liner that can move up in the line-up and chip in some offense, I'll be happy.