Well, that's part of the argument. He's playing a top line role in the AHL, but are they really trying to develop him or are they using him like they would an AHL veteran scorer? If he projects as a 3rd line depth guy with defensive responsibilities, it would behoove Billington, Cronin, and the Eagles to groom him for that role. They're not, and guys like Haefele and others have said that's one big reason why the Avs developmental system is still screwed up. I mean, the Eagles don't have to force him to be a grinder but he ain't gonna be a top-line guy in the NHL if he makes it at all. Some players can make that adjustment, some can't. Brian Willsie was definitely one of those guys who couldn't.
So giving him all these minutes and a big role doesn't necessarily mean they're still very high on him, but I'll admit that a lot of my "theory" is mostly gut instinct. I hope you're right and they give him a legit shot at some point this season, but I'm not holding my breath.