Ducks DVM
sowcufucakky
I think Holland is a poor comparison, because the issue with him isn't that he can't play in the defensive zone, it was that he wasn't trying to play in the defensive zone. I think a player who is trying, and progressing, will get a lot more chances. Vatanen needs to learn what he can actually get away with in the NHL, that means he needs NHL minutes. He seems smart enough to find a way around his limitations, and effort doesn't appear to be his issue in any way.
I think player development was probably hurt by the team doing as well as they did last year. Past a certain point, you don't want to mess up team chemistry trying new parts, then you want to reward the guys that got you there in the playoffs. Maroon and Vatanen both looked pretty good in their call-ups at the end of the year, I think that any players thinking they are entitled to a spot based on last season will be in for a rude awakening this season.
I think player development was probably hurt by the team doing as well as they did last year. Past a certain point, you don't want to mess up team chemistry trying new parts, then you want to reward the guys that got you there in the playoffs. Maroon and Vatanen both looked pretty good in their call-ups at the end of the year, I think that any players thinking they are entitled to a spot based on last season will be in for a rude awakening this season.