I think this is an incomplete take on the team's progression.
What we do get from what we see on the ice, even though the team has not yet had an actual second line to insulate Suzuki's line, and despite the fact that slafkovsky has not progressed beyond las season this year (slight regression as he is on pace for 45 points versus the 50 points of last season, with less goals and a less dominant play that had been seen in last year's second half:
Suzuki is on pace to match last year's 77-points and, with better play from Dach and Laine in a secondary scoring role (maybe Dach plays RW with Caufield and Suzuki to end out the year and Slafkovsky is tried at C, who knows?), maybe actually reaches the PPG production of undisputed #1Cs?
Caufield is a much more complete player than many gave him credit to be and can be much more of a play driver than the stereotype of a trigger man that had been attributed to him. That is clear cut progression; 4th consecutive 20-goal season in 4 consecutive full (or at least half) seasons, with 25+ goal-scoring for a 3rd consecutive season and a pace for at least 30+, if not 40 goals this season. Add to that a pace for 70+ points and much stronger defensive play than expected and we have a strong 1st line winger.
Hutson, as a rookie, has dispelled any doubts that he will throve at the NHL level, if not become one of the better all around Ds in the league. His defensive play might not be predicated on strong physical dominance, but his hockey smarts, active stick and ability to -- even at his small stature -- get his body between the puck and the opponent during one-on-one battles, but, short of a few brain farts, has proven to be effective in the NHL, even against larger opponents.
Guhle's absence due to injury has clearly demonstrated his importance to the team's fortunes and stability when he is on the ice. Unfortunately, he has not dispelled the concerns that he is made out of glass.
Xhekaj, while not a star player for th Habs, has displayed an ability to stay disciplined and out of the penalty box, making him much more useful to the team in a physical, third pairing role.
The Laine acquisition was essentially trading Harris for a 2nd round pick + a lottery ticket. Hughes did not get fleeced on a wing and a prayer deal when it comes to the Laine component. "Ah, well," as they say. No harm, no fowl (foul
).
Dach did not progress, but recovering from an injury that had him miss an entire season (minus a few games) may be a longer project, if it ends up working.
Newhook is a disappointment, but that may have more to doo with expectations than who the player is and always was. In the end, odds are that the picks given up will never amount to more than what Newhook brings to the table. Still wish we were not saddled with this player.
While we are still stuck with the contracts of Anderson and Gallagher, and while some propects keep developing (Demidov, Beck, Kapanen, Hage, etc.), we won't have as much room open in the roster
to test out the younger players on the verge of making it to the NHL, but not rushing everyone as though all pics are generational picks is not a bad idea either.
As for Demidov, I suspect he will be playing immediately in the NHL, if only because Hughes would rather have a first-hand impact on his development closer to home than even Laval. Yet, even if he plays NHL hockey next year, we should lower expectations from the projected PPG performances for the rookie!
Lastly, in terms of progression, the long enough sample before Christmas has proven to us that St-Louis is also capable of having his troops play solid defensive hockey that they can exploit to create offense.
Just keep adding talent and bringing a consistent level of engagement and things should continue to progress.
