I really believe Ferland has more development. I look at development simply as "a player is developing until he no longer is".
Who here can say that last season Ferland didn't take a step forward in his overall game? Sure, consistency is key, but his baseline went up and his 'peaks' definitely went up as well. Why are people going to say: "That's all the room he has left to grow, and he is what he is now."?
He is what he is when he is 'that' for a couple of seasons in a row. He is progressing every year, and until he stops, I expect him to progress every year.
Ferland is not your typical player. Started late. Battled fitness issues. Battled addiction issues. Got his head on straight and is now climbing steadily as a player. Nobody at this point can really say. He may end up being a legitimate top line winger. He may end up as just a pretty good bottom 6 player. I would bank he ends up somewhere in the top 6.
Ferland - as he is today - is a very valuable piece for the Flames. His speed, IQ, physicality, his shot, his passing ability, his board work, his defensive acumen - these make him a very versatile player that can play all up and down the lineup on either wing, and in any situation, and not hurt this team.
Also, I like the fact that he is such a clean player given the type of game he plays. He went through like half the season without taking a minor penalty. That's awesome.
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