Im not sure where this notion comes from that he hasn't proven anything, hasn't earned anything etc.
lets have a look:
In his 81 games in the AHL he has put up 70pts. Including 28 in his last 25.
Gets his call up for 25 games (his first actual NHL stint) following that and puts up 8pts in 21 games, and does it averaging 11:45 TOI - (only 2pts were PP others EV) in addition to that he was complimented on his improved down low play in his own zone by DJ/others etc. Good puck support, not cheating.
The eye test to me was he was working in those games as well.
*THIS WAS LAST YEAR
Lets compare that to how our current veteran centre group has fared:
Tierney 23 GP 9 pts 15:30 min per game.
Stepan 20 GP 6pts also over 15 min per game.
- Shall we discuss the eye test on those two? lol
I guess those guys earned the right to play like crap by virtue of uhhhh their careers?
Im not a conspiracy theorist I don't believe the Sens are trying to ruin a player they need, but there is a massive disconnect between what had been happening on the ice and how he is being deployed - and its baffling.