Quoting: CMcAvoy73
What hockey experts and scouts? Name them. I don’t think any expert thinks he’s a legit number one.
you don't think??? so trash a guy without doing any research first?
first the baseline expectations of a top line center are drawn out in this article
https://www.habseyesontheprize.com/analysis/2015/5/31/8693313/first-line-nhl-production-analysis
Hertl has a career Corsi score of 56.3, Carrer Fenwic of 56.3
Career average of .64 points per game.
the last 4 years he has averaged .77 points per game. the last 3 years .87 points per game.
his primary line mates (Labanc and Meier) have produced at drastically different numbers with him than without.
He pushes the play, he scores at a near elite level (1.0 points per game is wildly considered elite)
he is solid defensively, and he is 27 turning 28
all of these stats compare to what an NHL expects of a top line center.
personally I think his ideal placement is on a 2nd line on a really deep team but he is more than capable of carrying a top line.