I think you're basically saying you want him to stay and you're hoping those comments mean he has a better chance of sticking around. My point is his situation is the exact same today as it was when the season ended. He is caught up in a numbers game and because of his contract situation he can't be sent to the AHL.
He is currently 5th on the depth chart at center behind; Eichel, Girgs, Larsson and Reinhart. Unfortunately for Grigs, three of the four are his age or younger and the one older than him will only be 23 at the start of next season. I don't see how he is going to ever be a center for this team with better and younger players ahead of him on the depth chart.
I know the next response is put him on the wing. But my question is where? The left side has Kane, Mouslon, Foligno and Des. The right side has Ennis, Gionta, Hodgson, possibly McCormick. Also one of Girgs, Larsson and Reinhart may get pushed to wing. Which would make it even more crowded on the wings. I also don't see Grigs as an option for the 4th line at all.
Saying they want to develop with youth doesn't mean any young player has a better chance of staying now. It just means they're not going to go out and sign or trade for a bunch of vets to fill up the roster to win now.