I expect him to play in our first NHL game after his contract is signed. His representation should be asking if he's going to play in the NHL this year and answering 'no' is one of the few things that could cause Snuggy some pause. I think he has enough leverage to force Army to give a more firm answer than 'lineup choices are up to the coach.'
Joseph hasn't been so good that you can't pull him out of the lineup. He's contributed to the 3rd line's good play lately, but he is also getting played less than his linemates and has been clearly the 3rd most important member of the line. He is last among Blues forwards in time on ice, even strength time on ice, and total shifts among all Blues forwards since the 4 Nations Break. His biggest contribution has been on the PK, but he's on the 2nd unit and the group as a whole hasn't been that great. I think you can more than justify pulling him out to give Snuggy a shot in a high-stakes environment.