If you were to ask me which was better for development:
Commonly playing against older and better players, holding your own, and working on your deficiencies while being surrounded with the level you need to get to
or
Commonly playing against younger and worse players, dominating, and working on your deficiencies that aren't readily apparent in the league you're playing in...
I'm going to say you play with the best. I don't know any situation where competing against players below your level is beneficial for growth. If you can keep up with the best (Tkachuk can) then you learn against them. You'll always learn more and you'll always learn faster.
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