I personally think you should try putting him on a line that actually complements his play style before you send him anywhere. Using the "shelter" strategy feels(and is starting to look more) like intentional tanking. Outside of that play at the blue where he got burnt he looked awesome. There were a couple instances he moved the puck to a player and the Sens should have scored. Most notably the powerplay he put right on stepans tape. High danger area, no D coverage, goalie out of position, but awful shot.
Truthfully sending him anywhere, but to a line with other high end offensive skill players seems wildly misplaced. The things he needs to develop, need to be developed with and against NHL players.
It might sound like sacrilege to Sens fans to suggest, but break up the Tkachuk - Norris - Batherson line. "But why would anyone break up the only line that consistently generates offense and in general works". Hmmm, I wonder if distributing some of the teams actual speedy offensive threats would make more than 1 line consistently effective? Just to clarify that statement is peppered with sarcasm.
First and foremost Brady Tkachuk is an incredibly unique talent because he has the ability to make just about any line dangerous. Colin White actually looked great in this most recent game and in the brief time Tkachuk - White - Dadonov were a line they were dominant.
Now, for Tim. Hampering his ability to produce offensively by saddling him with strong defensive, but average offensive presence players limits how much you can even utilize Tim as a player. The Sens staff seems to determined to force shelter a kid that would otherwise generate offense with other high offensive presence players.
Would a 2nd line of Stützle - Norris - Batheron, not be wildly more complementary to his play style? This is rhetorical because it does not take a hockey scientist to see Josh Norris and Drake Batherson have the speed, creativity, and play driving ability to elevate any line. Specifically it would blend perfectly and allow the team to actually utilize Tim.
3rd line Paul - Tierney - C. Brown. If you watched their first few games you know why this line works. They looked great together and really brought out the best play in each other.
4th line I personally would only roll 3 and give these guys splashes when needed. This isn't the line I would rollout as I would have more youth on the 4th line, but I could realistically see the coach going Galchenyuk - Stepan - Watson. Watson has actually been pretty good in his specific role.
There is no fixing the D or net presence, but the offense can easily improve.
