What’s the problem with his game? Skating? Seems like a guy who should definitely be in the NHL. There are so many bad defensemen in the league. Even if this guy never sticks in the NHL, he should at least be good enough to get an extended amount of games to prove he can play in the NHL.
Well, he is/was a RHD that has Spurgeon and Dumba ahead of him. Both are moderate to small RHD with above average offensive and PP skills. There wasn't a crying need for his skills in the NHL on his team like there would be on others. This might change in the future if Dumba is moved.
He would've got some NHL time this year, but decided to sign with D. Minsk. He would've started out in the AHL, and had to depend on a call up. 13 games in, the Wild have already traded their 3rd pairing RHD , and 5 of their 7 Dmen have been out with Covid, resulting in MN playing guys like Dakota Mermis, Cale Addison, Bartkowski, Belepedio. The only one of those guys who might get playing time over Menell is Addison, who plays a very similar game(RH, smallish, PMD, some defensive questions).
So, the answer to your question is that he would've already played some NHL games this year if he hadn't signed elsewhere. It's his own doing....Guerin was not happy that he decided to do so.
Oh, and his weakness is playing defense, and withstanding a heavy game, whether it be in front of the net or along the boards. It remains to be seen whether he can adjust his game so that he can be better in those areas(like Spurgeon), or if he will always be an offensive specialist.
