I do think Pajuniemi could have been used more, but I also wouldn't characterize him as being misused. For every game he looked impactful, he had a game or two where he was just another guy. But, it was his first year here, and I think he acclimated himself fairly well. This would be the season, I think, where you'd hope he takes a step forward, and also forces the staff's hand a bit. He didn't really do that last year, IMO.
The AHL is a tough balancing act for the coaches. You want to develop players and win, but running out a team of first- and second-year players every night isn't helpful. That's why you need your 4A vets or guys like Gettinger and Ronning who are at least steady producers or who bring different elements. It's sort of like the NYR power play; do you pull off someone who is being highly productive to help develop someone like Lafreniere or do you stick with what's working well? Of course, everything went off the rails for Hartford last season, but I don't think any rearranging of the decks chairs was going to avert that ship from sinking.