Its not about stat lines. It's about general play. Is about the ability to protect pucks, to make good reads, and just generally to keep up.
Smith will develop no matter where he plays. He's 19, learning to pay against men in a much higher league. The big question is: should he be playing 18-20 mins as your #1C in the AHL, which is better than the NCAA but not as good as the NHL, designed to be a developmental league, and a place where nearly all good young players play as they transition from juniors or college to pros OR the NHL, where a mistake like last night cost your team the game, and everyone sees it on national television, and you might find yourself playing 10 mins night on a 4th line IF this is really a meritocracy?
At the end of the day, all NHL time should be earned. Its not a developmental league. And, crucially, playing someone inferior at the NHL level sends a very toxic message to guys (like gush) who clearly outplayed Smith all camp, yet ride the pine while smith gets top 6 time?
As such, if the NHL is a meritocracy, then Smith belongs in the AHL. If the NHL is a developmental league where you play your kids regardless of their current level, then he should stay in the NHL. Which is it?