He didn't have a ton of chances really
No, I agree, he didn't actually have a tonne of chances. He had about 30 games one season and then around 25 the next - playing with no one who was spectacular. I think a kid needs a bit more time and trust to break into the league. Imagine if the Sedins were given that ice time in their first few seasons and were then traded?
They didn't really show too much their first couple of seasons.
Having said that, he never really was a difference maker at the AHL level, and he just may not have the grit to make it for his size in the NHL. He's not a buzz saw, and he may not have enough skill to finesse his way through...will be interesting to see what happens in Minnesota for him. Hope he makes it, but if I were a betting man, I wouldn't go all in.