Part of the developmental process is rewarding those who earn their spot. Give nothing for free, but reward those who deserve it. Competition is the goal here, and nobody here is so vital that they deserve a roster spot just to avoid waivers.
That's a nice ideal situation, but much more likely than not, everyone with one-way contracts will be on the roster, and the veteran guys will still get their minutes. It's about the money. The guys that are making a $100k+ at the AHL level on two-way deals, they're easier to have as healthy scratches at the NHL level, because they're both not good, and most likely making the NHL minimum.
There aren't all that many spots realistically open for the youngest players to win. Even now, in 2019. Blake has already said he's not going to rush anyone. There will be competition in camp(assuming they're actually ready to participate in camp this time), but 75%, maybe 85% of the roster is already set. Very likely that most, if not all, 18-21 year olds won't be on the opening night roster.
It's a throwaway year. It's about getting another year off the contracts for the vets, and seeing if anyone in the 24-27 age range is worth keeping around for any reason.
Kovalchuk-Kopitar-Brown
Prokhorkin-Carter-Toffoli
Iafallo-A.Kempe-M.Kempe
Clifford-Amadio-Lewis
Frk
Forbort-Doughty
Martinez-Walker
Ryan-LaDue
MacDermid
Quick
Campbell
Or whatever. Carter can move over, I guess Prokhorkin can play C too, so however it would figure itself out.
Wagner and/or Grundstrom could be in there instead of MK and/or Frk. Wagner kind of got his spot because of injuries last year, but made the most of it. He probably has a spot to lose, but you never know. The only issue with both Wagner and Grundstrom is that the team still has a bunch of wingers that they're paying NHL money to. I think we would all rather just see them play over say Toffoli, but that's not going to happen. Toffoli has to get every chance to succeed, because it would be great to get a decent asset for him.
With Toffoli, Lewis, and Clifford hopefully all gone after this season, or by the deadline, that's going to open up a lot of space for a number of young players heading into 20-21. Then Prokhorkin might go back to the KHL if he's not happy, if they were somehow able to unload Kovalchuk, that opens up that much more space. Only time will tell.