Hayton clearly benefit in production from playing with Keller and Schmaltz, he isn't driving the play but you can't deny his point production and improvement. Strome was producing when playing with Kane and/or Dcat but his D play was aweful. The difference is that Hayton is solid on D and has been taking tougher assignments.
Being a 1C/2C takes time, just like a top pairing D, Hayton is getting there. Its tougher to break into those spots, unlike a winger, much easier position to improve, look at Crouse/Garland/Bunting/Macceli/keller/Schmaltz. Getting or developing good wingers is not that hard to do, but getting 1C/2C/top pairing D is much harder, we might have one now in Hayton.