That's the thing. For him to stick in the NHL (even in a top-6 role) he needs to show defensive awareness (that's why it worked for Horvat). For Shinkaruk his offensive game probably comes more naturally than his defensive game so by putting him in a bottom-6 role in the AHL it forces him to concentrate on his defence until it becomes an automatism. I'd think it's also faster to learn that way as they are more defensive situations encountered and it's normally against the top offensive lines. If he only plays in a top-6 he might put up points in the AHL and maybe warrant a call-up but if he can't be decent on defence he likely won't be able to stick (unless his offensive production is off the charts).
Comparing Horvat to Shinkaruk in terms of defense is a bit silly. Horvat came into the NHL as advertised a 2 way beast. You can't expect that from Shinkaruk. Shinkaruk, should be expected to put up points in the top 6. Horvat and Shinkaruk are 2 different players. One models their game after Bergeron the other after Kane.
Kane isn't asked to play defense. That's not his game. If you look at his advanced stats he isn't very good at suppressing shots or scoring opportunities. But that's no big deal because that isn't his game.
I don't think it should be our primary goal to develop Shinkaruk's defensive game. We should let him develop his defense
after he adapts to the AHL and is capable to show the amount of offense he showed off in junior. Shinkaruk hasn't done anything in this playoffs that suggests he should be demoted to the 4th line. In fact I feel he's outplayed Jensen who is currently on the 2nd line LW spot.
A demotion to a lower line is not always a "punishment" - sometimes it's to help a player to reset his game in a less pressurised position - get his confidence back by not feeling under pressure to put up points while still contributing. I think more experienced players are more able to deal with cold streaks - they'll stick to their game and not try and force things.
I'm fine if Shinkaruk gets moved down on a cold streak. I'm just frustrated that Shinkaruk isn't getting 1st unit power play time over players that he's outplaying. Like Conacher. I don't think Conacher should be on the first unit over Shinkaruk. For development purposes.
For Shinkaruk, Burke commented that he wasn't playing well - as for Conacher it seems that he's just not putting up points. Or has he been playing worse than Shinkaruk? Can Shinkaruk play right wing?
I think Shinkaruk has played extremely well in the playoffs and to end off the season.
Conacher is just not putting up points, as you said. But Conacher is still getting premier power play time over Shinkaruk. That's what so frustrating.
I'm not sure if Shinkaruk is comfortable with playing right wing so I won't say that shinkaruk should be playing in Conachers position but I would certainly want Shinkaruk to be on the 1st unit in Conachers spot.
As we're talking Shinkaruk - I was wondering - how good is he at generating his own offence? Can he be the driver on a line?
He can be. But I feel he get's better when surrounded by better teammates. For example: this play
https://streamable.com/hps5
Shinkaruk feeds of his linemates. The better his linemates the better he plays off his linemates. He's a bit inconsistent and can disappear in a game. But if he is hot he's a joy to watch. He'll generate chances out of nowhere.
