Yeah I disagree. I got it wrong about his development. Hughes has reiterated they wanted him to learn to play the game against NHLers -- I have to think they know what they're talking about, at least in terms of the upside of leaving him in Liiga or the AHL. Their argument is he would "cheat" and use his size too much.
I think Slaf's issues are with his consistency and his so-called "toolbox"
Laine and Demidov were acquired after the Slaf draft, as you know. I also don't think Cooley's the optimal 2C but we're in a pretty tough place right now.
Slaf can be a relevant player in the future but he's VERY frustrating right now and I can't be the only one who is exhausted by his bad games. I'm not talking about his age, or his trajectory, or his future greatness here -- it's the playoff race and he's not showing up as expected. These are must-win games, he has to step up and set the tone. He seems so easily rattled and distracted (like that awful game he had against Ottawa where he was playing in front of his nan).