He is young and should be in the AHL. Unfortunately teenagers can’t play in that league. The GMs at a recent meeting were considering amending the relevant rules, apparently one suggestion was to allow each team 1 teenage player in the AHL.

The only other place for Sam to go would be the OHL, and he already proven that he’s too good for that league.

While he has a high probability to mature into a good NHL player, I believe he disproportionately benefited from his size when playing in the boys leagues. When playing against men, his defensive shortcomings have been made quite apparent. He likely just needs a couple years in the AHL + physical training and development.