I'm really not expecting much in terms of production. I'm not looking for him to light the lamp. That'd be unfair to a 21 year old who is playing his first game and playing on our 4th line.
It's about paying attention to detail and the little things. How's he positioning himself? Supporting his teammates? Does he look overwhelmed physically? Can he skate at this level (not just speed, but edge work and control)? Is he back checking hard? For checking? Making smart plays with the puck? Utilizing his teammates properly? Picking smart shots? In fact, even if he is putting up points, I wouldn't judge him on that. But all of this will take time, at least 10 games to see and if we want a detailed look, more than 10.
If he looks like he belongs, and can check at this level, he'll be just fine. He needs to prove he can be trusted in all 3 zones and can apply the work necessary for the NHL.
When he's acclimated to the NHL, that's when we start looking at slotting him in our top 9, and expect an increase in production. Maybe even some special teams time. But for now, low minutes, and slowly bring him along. Make him earn the ice time. It took an offseason for him to go from AHL 4th line to top 10 in scoring, so I think he does have the drive in him. Part of that was knowing the AHL and what to expect. Who knows, our centers suck, if he does well, he could stick. It's a good opportunity for us to see where he is and where he needs to get. I do hope he sticks for 5 weeks (so long as he can) and we ride with some of the "rookie mistakes" we'll see in his stint. If he can't stick, he has a little taste of the NHL and will know what he needs to work on.
I'm high on Barbashev, I think he's better than Thompson and I like Thompson (he's grown on me).
That and we're screwed if he doesn't work out.
I was very happy when we got him that late, then really depressed when I watched him last year. I hope this year is the player he is going forward and he can be a great 2/3 C for us.
