I agree. He's the Rocco Grimaldi type of signing you want, but potentially better. A veteran pro who knows systems, and you can put him in the line up. I think he will surprise a lot of people and win some fans over. This is a smart player who makes good plays. Points are a pleasant surprise should there be any, but this guy will earn himself a look I think. Worth the two years, and one wear I think it pays off as a good signing.
He's defensively reliable, but I would press on and get to the net front every chance in the offensive zone as well. A good guy to study for him would be Brendan Gallagher. You don't necessarily have to get under guys skins to draw penalties. But you can be an effective stick there, looking for rebounds or getting shots in close to the net. Ice time is ice time. It doesn't matter how it's labeled or what line is called what. It's the NHL ice time.
This is a smart player and if he's a willing competitor in the offensive zone, I think he can be a really good player who makes it tough to get him out of the line up. I expect him to play in the NHL. He and Rooney should make a very nice pair on that 4th line. Then you have your 4A guys and kids. If it all plays out well, driving competition for that 4th line LW spot is a really good way to keep guys moving.