You are correct. If he does not play at all, it will not impact his stats. I have a similar problem with Braden. He plays a full game and then 9-12 minutes in the other game so his stats aren't telling of what he really does when he starts.
Same for Billion, my stupid coach keeps him in the game for 48 mins and I have to choose between game shape and stats.
If you have played Gavno 2 weeks ago, I' d pick them in a heartbeat, but now Booshers look sharper than ever. By the way it's going to be a lot of fun to watch that game, I won't take sides, one of the contenders will lose which is welcome. LOL