I mean, how hard could helping this kid improve his skating be? That's what blows my mind. And even regardless of his speed (which hey as crazy as it is, some guys have made it a whole career being bad skaters), if he showed up this year and played the way he did, just give the kid his shot.
I put more on the team then the kid here. Are we sure Lias is the one who exploited the trade request? Genuine question, not defending him blindly. I don't agree with that but to this point I see a mishandling of your player from the point of the team.