Watching AC's video of Johnny's first year, I really think that Jooris' career greatly benefitted from being on Johnny's line for a great deal of the first year. Gave him time to survive in the NHL until he was considered a true NHLer.
You are correct, there are many guys in the minors who, given the opportunity, could play just as well (or bad, depending on your opinion) as many in the NHL.
The margins are that slim and the secret in a cap world is not to overpay for this type of production that is always available cheaply.
Johnny could make any minor leaguer look like an NHL player.
Johnny wasn't playing first line minutes in 2014/15, so Jooris had the benefit of having an elite winger while playing against lesser competition. In hindsight, it's maybe not a surprise to see him hit career highs that year, in just his rookie season.
That said, we probably don't make the playoffs without guys like him making timely contributions. For example, he scored the OT GWG against the Oilers on NYE 2014, and for that he'll always be in my good books:
Location: Chicago Native relocated to the stinking desert of Utah
Exp:
I loved Freddie as a 'Hawk, but felt that Stan gave him about $1M too much against the cap.
The guy had the most D-zone starts on the team, and had the most PK minutes.
He was drafted as a hopeful #2 C, but found his niche Q's go to, matchup, Defensive Center and PKer. He didn't shine when filling as a top 6 during injuries, and whoever slashed his wrist, basically, derailed his career.
__________________ "If the wine's not good enough for the cook, the wine's not good enough for the dish!" - Julia Child (goddess of the kitchen)
Jooris played with so much jam during his rookie season. I remembered the feeling I had watching Jooris play when I got to watch Vinnie Hinostroza the last couple of games against the Hawks. A guy who is maybe not the greatest hockey player, but he's all over the ice all the time during his shifts. Too bad he couldn't keep it up, but that first season was magic. He could probably do some damage here in europe if he wants to go that route.
IIRC, Kruger ended up as Sweden's first line centre in the Gold medal game at the last Olympics, due to a bunch of injuries.
Swedish brass had one of their many brain farts and picked Kruger over Backlund for that tournament. It was a terrible and infuriating decision when it was made, then he proved utterly useless during the olympics, and we sure as heck know who is the superior player now. Made me despise Marcus Kruger, so it's very fitting that he has soundly proven that he's terrible.
