I really don't think there is much competition for him in Carolina, the organization is basically gushing their collective panties for him and he already led the teams defense in average TOI down the stretch last season.

As for the sample size, I agree it's small but it's the trend you should be focusing on: the kids development curve is almost a vertical line over the past year.

Also Rob, personally i think 3 of your 5 reasons (giroux, Locke and aucoin) really don't make sense as they are all forwards; if anything I would also like to know what kind of AHL numbers they were putting up at 20 YEARS OLD. Not to mention I don't really see any increase in talent around him on that Charlotte team:
http://theahl.com/mobile/?t=mobile_r...4&bblh=mSafari

Your posts are exactly the reason I made mine, this kid doesn't get nearly enough love.. All I'm saying is that will change. Soon...

__________________
Dynasty - $100/yr buy-in - YR5 - $90M CAP
G A PTS +/- PIM PPP SOG W GAA SV% SO

C - Crosby, Giroux, Getzlaf
LW - Neal, Elias
RW - Perry, Voracek
D - Letang, Chara, Boyle, Del Zotto, Faulk
Util - Eberle, Seguin,Hossa, Pavelski
G - Rask, Lehtonen

BENCH
Selanne, Iginla, Doan, M. Foligno, Bogosian, Garrison, McDonagh, Gardiner, Bryzgalov

PROSPECT
Forsberg, Bjugstad, Eller, M. Backlund, Vatanen, R. Murphy, Lack.

2010-11 - 1st
2011-12 - 1st
2012-13 - 2nd