I think its posts like this that make the Lias situation an endless topic. He was highly touted high draft pick so some of the fan base bought in on his potential. Then when he failed to play well, looked slow and uncertain and became un-coachable it was always someone else's fault. Wrong line-mates, coach was too hard on him, etc. Alternatively those of us who quickly were down on him loved being right so we piled on about how bad he is.
It's ridiculous to pick on Howden in the Howden vs. Lias side debate. Howden has played poorly too but has done whatever the coach asked and at least is big and can skate - two assets Lias doesn't possess - so there is some potential to develop. Chytil certainly has shown improvement. Buch's advanced stats are actually quite impressive unlike the others mentioned.
Lias's realistic ceiling is likely a AHL or SHL star. And he could make it to the NHL as a mediocre bottom 6 forward. Realistically with his skill set that is where he likely winds up.