What we need to realize is that Lats may not improve in juniors like we think. He needs to play with men. Even practicing and being in their presence will make him a smarter player. He'll get his ice time but for now he has to improve as a hockey player. Carbs and co want to take it slow with him. He doesn't need the added presure of being a go-to-guy at this point. Being on the fourth line is a good start. He's still part of the team and learning what it takes. Carb is using Begin for now to guide him.

 If they throw him on the upper lines, we'll be saying he should be scoring and the expectations may be too high for this kid. Lets not break him. On the fourth line, he'll plug in the odd goal and get a good hit or two. He'll improve slowly but certainly and we'll then see him being used in other situations.

 He's a tough player but he doesn't possess the skills to be a gifted scorer or play-maker. He's not a great skater and doesn't have soft hands.

 It's just way too early to tell what type a player he'll be....maybe a Claude Lemieux type guy...who knows? We have to let him develop and mature. For now, we can't squeeze orange juice from an apple.