Tone aside, he has a valid point though. Comparing Lias to most prospects picked in the 7-12 range is difficult because only a few of them actually played in the AHL in their first 2 seasons after being drafted. Guys like Couture, Scheifele, Koivu, Granlund, Niederreiter did not play in the AHL (aside from an ATO) in their first 2 seasons after the draft.
Bringing up what Lias has done in SuperElit at age 16 is a valid point. Same goes for what Lias has done at age 17 in the SHL, and being an important contributor at age 18 on the SHL championship team. While Lias has been disappointing after being sent down in December, I have to admit that I am curious at what Lias could have done had his path taken him elsewhere. I am confident that if Lias was playing in the OHL/WHL/QMJHL after the draft, he would tear that up as much as guys like Couture, Niederreiter and Scheifele. I am also confident he would have a very impressive season in the SHL if he was left there for another season. The Rangers need for control is what is hurting Lias in a way, although he is not blameless.
I never felt bringing him over to the AHL was the best approach for his development. It's different with Chytil who comes from a clearly inferior league (CZ ELH). Let these kids develop in their own evironment. That's also why I am not a fan of Kravtsov coming over at age 19. It is a big change. A big culture shock. When I was 21, I moved to South Africa, and I was struggling with everything. Daily life, communication, getting used to the habits in a different country, and I was a 12-hour flight removed from anyone I knew. That can hit you hard. If you then pair that with some bumps in the road career-wise (Lias with his demotion, I had some adjustment issues at work as well) and there is no one familiar to help you out, it can really weigh you down.
I am not trying to make excuses for Lias, but do feel that people often overlook what an impact it has on a teenager to move that far from home. Some people handle it better than others, and having success definitely helps (Chytil, Pettersson). Look at the European players from that draft year currently in the AHL: Necas, Brannstrom, Andersson, Vaakanainen, Liljegren, Tolvanen, Kostin. And aside from Brannstrom, none of them are really lightning it up in the AHL.
Do I expect Lias to be better? Yes
Is it fair to label him a failure/bust at age 20? No
Do I think there are other factors involved? For sure
Regarding
@ManUtdTobbe I can say this: Don't put him on your ignore list. He can be a bit direct at times (Same for me). It's just the European way. That's how we talk. But he's one of the more knowledgeable posters we have here.
