What I'm concerned about is that if the Kings get close to making the playoffs next season and put pressure on QB, Vilardi, and other rookies to perform better, then this could stunt their growth and cause them to regress and not develop. I just think that the OHL and the AHL would be a better place for QB momentarily to develop where there's absolutely no pressure on him. Let him come up to the Kings when he's good and used to the pros. May it be 1, 2 or even 3 years from now. There's no use in rushing the kid. He could be the next Crosby in my opinion if he's not rushed. If rushed, we might be lucky if he levels off at Miko Koivu.
If you actually watch him, he looks like he's gained confidence in 5 games alone. QB hasn't been afraid to carry the puck, make daring passes, get open in front of the net, or use his body to cover the puck. If he had 20 games, he would absolutely show tremendous growth.
If you take Kakko or Hughes as examples, neither are lighting the world on fire points wise, but both have shown tremendous growth this season. Defensive responsibility, puck carrying, strength. Players of this caliber benefit from the challenge at a higher pace.. they learn, and use this to help them adapt and build their games.
What benefit would it be for QB to dominate Sudbury, go to the AHL for a year, and then learn the pace of the NHL game? He's too talented for that. In the other hand, some players benefit from honing their craft until the age of 23-24-25 in college/Europe etc and then getting a shot.. late bloomer types. But even then, many need a year to adapt to the NHL pace.
QB hasn't looked out of place at all and with a nice stretch of games, chemistry with linemates next season and learning tendencies, this kid will be a gamer. He was my #1 this past season.. everyone was on the Laf/Stu trains, I had and would still have QB #1 last year (and being a month out, would absolutely take him at #1 in the 2021 class as well). Just have some faith and patience.. don't watch the stat sheet, but really watch him play.
Honestly on a side, Vilardi looks like the player he was in Windsor with Andersson/AI.. making space, creative, confident.. sometimes guys get paired up with the least likely of guys and they just click. So again, another one that is developing just fine at the NHL level.
