In fairness, his work rate is excellent, he's apparently a top flight "stick checker" according to an analysis I read last season and his IQ is good on both sides of the puck. But his NHL toolkit is sparse, absolutely. Averageish skater, hands are okay but just okay, not much of a shot to speak of, small and not exactly strong against the board.
IMO, he's a case of the brain being willing and able, but the body not keeping up. He's dragged every bit of ability out of a small, skinny body, kicking and screaming. But I agree, that he's a 3rd liner at best, and with a group of forwards this deep and talented, probably a 4th liner.