A late bloomer or what's the verdict today? The ahl development needed?
He is very streaky. At times looks like a top 10 talent but the disappears for a bit after. His AHL numbers arent great but until recently he also hasnt really gotten the minutes you would like a 12th pick to get.
The Texas coach is all about the vets and wasnt giving any quality top 6 or PP time to our top prospects. The org seems to be thinking about a push to trusting youth more (at least that is what Nill has been saying to the media) and the Texas lines have looked like the reflect that though more recently and coincidentally he has played better. He was drafted for his speed and offensive ability but has been strapped to the 4th line in the AHL for way longer than he should.
I get there is a certain level of "he needs to earn it" for the top line minutes but at the same time you would imagine the GM should be pushing pretty hard to get the guy they took at 12 to get the best chance to succeed.
All in all I think he needs an other AHL year but should get a few call ups next year. If Nill is really serious about the push to trust the youth, he needs to let a few of our AHL vets that Laxdal uses as a crutch go so he has no choice but to give the kids more ice