He isn’t better than Perron. Thats the argument. He can’t beat out anyone in the top 6 let alone the top 9. If he was better, then he would be in the current line up in the position you’re hoping for him to play in.
I’m not an NHL level scout, but the I’ve taken the time to analyse this player every shift he’s on the ice. He’s more of a liability than anything. I don’t disagree that higher up in the line up he would have a better chance to succeed, but this team doesn’t revolve around finding the best position for only this player to succeed. It’s about icing the best line up to win games.
Developing a player is what the lower tiered leagues are for.
Look at all the smaller (successful) players in the league. They all have a big weapon. Either a rocket of a shot, or incredible stick handing ability and a lot of agility. Being an above average (soft) playmaker isn’t enough unfortunately. Hopefully a maybe more time in the gym can help him out this offseason, but I’m pretty sure he already had bulked up a few off seasons ago from what I can remember.