Quoting: aadoyle
Sure they can what makes him so good that he can immediately take a spot in the NHL
Like most guys like him its go to the NHL learn and see how their game translates to the next level
He's an RFA after his deal so sure he can complain but does Brad have to give in no. Its up to him to earn a spot
If kid comes in with an entitled mindset reality gonna catch up quick with him
I don't think you really get it.
This isn't a 20 year old coming for the CHL. He'll be 23 next year.
You aren't going to develop a player that age for 2 years in the AHL or what have you.
It's more likely they bust on, or flame out.
Look at Donato. He signed at 21, got thrown in that year and was given like 1/2 a year the next year before BOS moved on.
Another example would be Kerfoot signed at 23 played that year for COL.
Or Aston Reese, signed 23 1/2 year in the AHL and up to the NHL.
This is the typical track.
This is just how things go for UFA NCCA guys. They want their playing time and that plays a part in where they will sign.
On top of it, teams are less interested in investing to develop guys who are already going to be 23 that they didn't draft.
They got limited space and are more willing to give it to 20 year olds who they did draft.
Because at 23 the expectation is a player should have jumped by now. They simply don't have 2 years or leeway.
So as much as you think they can send the kid down to the AHL and let him develop that's probably not how this is going to work for either of them.
At 23 you either do or do not have the skill set. Sitting in the AHL for another year isn't going to change that. By 23 you should have already worked on your skating and your strengthening.
The two things that hold younger players back.
It's not about entitled mindset, it's about reality of the kids ability.
They are either going to play him, or they are not. If they don't it's best for both to move on. Because they probably aren't going to if they didn't.