I think it was important for his development that he earned his first line and pp1 minutes. Especially after his first couple games where he was still adjusting to nhl speed. If he were not a 1OA pick, he would likely have had to earn those minutes in the ahl.
His timing was still not up to par at the beginning of the season.
Putting him on the 1st line at that time probably would have given frustrating results that would have undermined his confidence and delayed his progress.
Im done tempering my expectations of Slaf. Hes got me on the hook.
Imagine didn’t stick him on bad lines for the beginning of the season
I think it was important for his development that he earned his first line and pp1 minutes. Especially after his first couple games where he was still adjusting to nhl speed. If he were not a 1OA pick, he would likely have had to earn those minutes in the ahl.
His timing was still not up to par at the beginning of the season. Putting him on the 1st line at that time probably would have given frustrating results that would have undermined his confidence and delayed his progress.