I agree with FDW in what Ferland is today, and what he can be tomorrow.
Not every player maxes out at his age. This is his second year in the NHL. He is 24 years old. Why is it hard for people to accept that this kid has more room to grow?
Last year, I saw a rookie being inconsistent. However, I also saw times where he dominated teams physically. He also was really great in the corners, and had soft hands and made intelligent plays on the ice. He was just inconsistent.
This year you are seeing more consistency in his game. It is not a surprise to see that happens as a player matures. Granted, some players never do, but to suddenly put a ceiling on Ferland after 1 full NHL season is at the very least premature.
I think he does have the POTENTIAL to be a 20-20 guy in this league - maybe a bit more - who excels in the corners, is a brutal to play against, and who can really help this team win all over the ice. That is who I think Ferland can be, and I don't think he is that far away really. He might plateau this season, maybe next, but I don't think we have seen his ceiling yet.
People still think Gaudreau can be a 100pt guy one year if everything goes right. He is 23, and has one more year of experience (never mind the fact that he played in the NCAA which (IMO) acclimates prospects better for the pros as they have more complex systems and are on average bigger and older players).
Ferland is not a finished product. We ALL have seen growth this season so far from last season. He is on pace for ~13 and 32 points. He is already so good in the corners. He is becoming a better net-front presence. He has been having MORE games where he is noticeable than last season when he had more games where he wasn't noticeable.
Players don't plateau at 22, 24 or 27. They plateau when they plateau, and to me, it seems he is taking a nice big step in his development.
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