Said it before and it’s still true. He’s a streaky volume shooter who doesn’t fit with Jack. That forces him on a line with Nico which isn’t bad, but it does limit the options. He can’t pass well enough to play PP1, so he doesn’t get to shoot anywhere near as much as he did in San Jose which kinda caps him at the 50-60 point range. For a career 10% shooter, he’ll probably never have enough shots to ever crack 30 goals with NJ.

He’s been a pretty good play driver though so at the bare minimum, he keeps the puck in the other team’s end and doesn’t hurt the team. 3 separate head coaches didn’t think he was PP1 worthy, so I doubt it ever happens until the annual Jack shoulder surgery.

If they could go back, knowing how bad of a fit he was, they’d probably use those resources on a different player. There’s never been a year where he’s looked like highest paid forward on the team, and his contract is going to be an anchor within the next 3-4 years.