Zwui1: I thought the same thing couple weeks ago, what is he doing in the lineup playing AHL level in the NHL.
BUT:
I checked him couple days ago on some advanced stat sites and believe it or not, his numbers were kinda crazy good. So i wouldn't trade him for at least this year and give him full chance whenever a spot opens up, and i probably even after a horrible 2019/2020 season , i would give him more chance in 2020/2021 if he takes the minimum contract for next year as well.
Maybe all he needs is lots of games, you know when defenders needs 200 games to playing on a good level. Maybe he needs at least 50-100 to show something good in points, because as i mentioned adv stats were good. Witkowski adv stats were = worst sh_it ever. = never play in the lineup again... except if we desperate.. maybe... but probably still not...
So just be patient and one day maybe he will be good.
Also his linemates were: Tyler "im missing every scoring chance for weeks" Johnson, Yanni "grinding" Gourde, and Pat "standing still before the net or behind the net" Maroon. And he played little with Palat, but not much.
What if his playstyle only suited with skilled+strong players. You need chemistry and it doesn't develop in 10 games... Yes i agree i would like to see him scoring a goal or two + collect some assist, but until we are locked to make the playoffs, it's not the worst thing to have a better "Erne" in the lineup sometimes, when needed...
The main problem is imo, he is just not a good fit right now, but it can change anytime, when injury happens with anyone. I wouldn't break up the Cirelli line, the Kuch line and the Paq line... so where he playes and with who? That's the main problem...
Stamkos-Verheaghe-Johnson maybe in future , but idk... it's hard to fit him in right now... but all NHL teams changing the roster every year, so maybe next year he will be in a much better spot... or we trade him for huge value if somebody offers it... doubtful... maybe if we trade for Toffoli/Kreider etc... we can fit him in better in future... like Stamkos - Verh - Toffoli or similar, u can replace other players on wings... i just like these 2 as target for trade deadline...
Here is 1 stat for offense for Verhaeghe:
Explanation: Every + is good on offense. So like +5% = good stat. His stats over 20... crazy.. i know... but this site doesn't lie...
Defense stats = around league average = acceptable for a "rookie".