There is a difference between persistent forechecking, winning board battles, puck retrieval, etc. and throwing hits. You seem to think if the glass doesn't wobble, the player isn't doing anything. Gaunce does everything a bottom 6 forward is required to do and more. If anything he could be our most tenacious forechecker.
Not to mention a 1st rounder not being a top 6 player is hardly news. It's frankly expected for late 1st rounders.