Kevin Fiala has always been second fiddle on this team, even when Kirill Kaprizov was still in Russia. Not getting the massive extension like his offensive counterpart, not getting the minutes like him, not getting the same adoration from the general fan base as him; Fiala is probably feeling a little bit sour about the whole thing.
So it only hinders his case to take a somewhat sturdy leap in the fandom depth chart of favorites when his 2021-22 season isn’t doing so well.
Through eight games, he has one goal and two assists to his name and he has been stuck wallowing on the quasi third line with newcomer Frederick Gaudreau and whatever left winger they decide to pair up with that somewhat stable duo.