The defensive part of his game will come -- as Bake's like to say, much will depend on if he learns more efficient lines (going from point to point). Many junior players have to learn more about working on the defensive side of the puck and that's why they take time to develop. His footspeed would be helped by efficiency.
Consistency, much like defense, can take time. Hell, it took Todd Bertuzzi seven years to start showing up every night. Maturation into a professional takes different amounts of time for different guys.
If he makes the jump sooner rather than later, he could break in similarly to what Kyle Clifford is doing with the Kings -- used in a lower line role most nights and using his size/physicality rather than his offensive abilities. And as I type this, Clifford scores...
They have three offensive RW's at the moment in the NHL, an oft-injured energy player who is a very good checker in Kaleta. Opportunity will have to be there for him next year. Don't be surprised with Regier and Ruff still in charge to see him start the year in Portland unless he's superior at Dev Camp and Training Camp.
