Unsustainable
Seth Jarvis has Big Kahunas
Yeah, I wasn't disagreeing with one of them getting 3rd line minutes (if they make it), only your post having both of them on the 4th line.
My my understanding is Gauthier is eligible for AHL next year? (maybe I'm wrong?), so does 9 games doesn't really matter? Doesn't his contract start if he goes to the AHL regardless of number of games? Maybe not, as I'm not sure how all that works.
Anyhow, if they show they deserve to be in the NHL in a top 9 role, that's fine, otherwise, get them meaningful minutes in the AHL to continue their development. Rushing them, having them in and out of the line-up, or getting low minutes on the 4th line isn't what I'd like to see.
If he goes to the AHL his ELC starts. I'd try to leave him for an overage year if he can't make the Canes to start. But that goes back to my feelings about rushing Lindy over, he was allowed a couple of season to build size he would be in a much better situation. (Could have developed as a center longer also).
Gauthier is NHL sized already, so for him, it's a matter of sense. 9 games should be long enough to tell if he's mentally ready.