What you're ignoring however is that players will adjust their game, so even guys who are playing decently like Mete last year or DLR during his early callups. They were so focused on playing conservative mistake free hockey that they miss out on the development that comes from playing a more offensive but risky style.
I don't think I'm ignoring anything...I see both sides of the argument.
I just think its case by case basis.
Nick Suzuki, while talented, clearly looked overwhelmed even during preseason.
Noah Juulsen does not look overwhelmed vs NHL competition...now that doesnt mean that he plays mistake free hockey.
But what triggers me is the things he does well as a player, he does them in the NHL. He doesnt look like to me, like the moment is too big for him. Hes not trying to be an offensive, puck rushing Dman like I often saw Karl Alzner do last year.
As an example DLR would've been better served playing in a league where he could be an offensive player, so that he could work on and develop the offensive side of his game.
When DLR started with the Habs, he played 12-15 mins a game...he looked solid.
Then, for whatever reason, they just stopped using him and when they would, he'd play 6-7 mins, healthy scratch, etc.
DLR would of been better served by continuing to benefit from the same confidence the coach showed early in his career...
When their confidence in him dwindled...
So did his game.
This is a common theme...
Therrien/Julien have both shown a ton of faith in Gallagher, Lehkonen, Mete...
Therrien/Julien have both shown little to no faith in Galchenyuk, DLR, McCarron, Scherbak
Draw your own conclusions from that