Well, as much as I like the kid, I can't say I have that feeling that he's going to force his way into a regular NHL job for the long run come hell or high water.
Sure, something like becoming a Visnovsky type would be a terrific outcome and likely THE best-case scenario.
But I think what he actually achieves in the NHL will be highly dependent upon whether a team (and it might be us) that needs what he brings to the table actually puts him in that position and lets him run with it. I could see him blooming correspondingly.
He could just as easily get lost in the numbers game, be moved, get lost in the numbers game elsewhere, then continue his career in Europe, where his skill set will ensure him a number of years and some good money in the KHL, SHL or NLA.
We found out last season that he's already serviceable. Now it's up to him to show Trotz and the staff that he's a better option than say Mayfield, who automatically has the size and toughness advantage.