Putting guys who will NEVER make a difference or play consistently in the NHL like ABB, Condotta, Gignac, Dauphin in the top 6 is absolutely shameful. Terrible development, if MB was still running the show people would be outraged.
Management has to step in and fix this, even Mesar playing 3rd line or Tuch on a 4th is ludicrous. If PV is making these decisions he should be fired ASAP
If the kids earn the ice time, they will get it. They shouldn't simply be handed things. They should work for it. Tuch, Xhekaj, and Beck are starting their pro careers. Mesar has played pro hockey before, but it's his first year pro in NA, which is different.
A few examples of guys who weren't handed things but worked their way up:
- Jake Evans started his pro career as the 4C in Laval. By the end of the year he was their 1C. And now he's a full time NHL'er.
- William Trudeau was on the 3rd pair or a healthy scratch when he started in Laval. By the end of the season, he was on the top pair and playing PP.
- Nick Suzuki started his NHL career playing on the 4th line on the wing. He moved his way up and eventually became the 1C.
- Slaf started on the 3rd line. He got hurt so it delayed his development. But the next year, he started on the 2nd line and then ended up on the top line.
You also can't fill the Top-6 with your prospects and the Bottom-6 with your vets. That is a great way to lose your room and have guys stop playing for you. Not to mention you won't have success with this approach. Gignac, ABB, and Dauphin have been great in the AHL. Condotta isn't someone who will put up points, but he's an effective player.
Tuch started on the 4th line? Let's see if he has what it takes and works to the point he moves up to the 3rd line. Beck and Mesar are currently listed on the 3rd line? Let's see if they work their asses off to becoming the 2nd line and the Simoneau - Condotta - Dauphin line becomes the 3rd line.