Dylan is 23 years old. Last year was his first full year of playing in the AHL. The 2 years before that he missed half a season, in each.
Each year he has improved. And keep in mind his growth was stunted due to injury. So he is technically behind, but still showing growth.
He needs minutes. Circumstantially, he no longer has the ability to be sent down to HFD to play the minutes he needs, so he NEEDS to get them via the main team.
AV said he expects 2 specific young guys to come in and step up. Lindberg. Mcilrath.
He expects a 23 year old to step up to be the 7th D? No.
This is an investment. Dylan is the future. And the decision to play him not only is contingent on if he can handle the position, which is a prerequisite, but also if he still has room for growth. He is improving each and every year. At this rate he can improve to be a 2nd pairing guy.
He is capable, which is the first benchmark, and he is growing which is the second one.