Sending Helleson down means we're only carrying 6D. If we go on the road, then we'll need a 7th d-man for potential injury situations. Right now, Helleson is our oldest, most pro experienced d-man we have signed in the NA pro's (NHL and AHL). We literally have no older vet to push up to the NHL level to act as the 7th D. That 7th D spot was Vaak's spot.
This is kinda the mismanagement of Verbeek. He could have re-signed RD Gustav Lindstrom to be that fringe NHL'er who can fill up the 7th D spot if needed or provide better talent on the blueline in the AHL. It's great that Helleson did get a sneak peak, but simultaneously not-so-great if he's a healthy scratch for 7 consecutive games.