There was a discussion about the things hextall said about him. He said something like "Fazleev needs to learn to play like a bottom 6 player." And some people said they dont like the approach by hextall because you could block a talented Player from developing his full potential when you stop him trying to be better. But no one ever said he will be a top 6 player for sure. Just my memory of the incident.
I think people confuse a top 6 prospect with players who might develop.
A top prospect like Frost or Brink will get a shot to make it in an offensive role.
But guys like Laczynski or Cates, even though they're solid prospects, will have to earn a spot in the bottom six. Like NAK this season.
So it behooves them to master the art of making the most of 10 minutes a night, fore check, back check, hit people, block shots and play with a lot of energy - i.e. play like a bottom six player. Excel at that and 2 PK minutes will be added to your 10 ES minutes. Show some offensive chops and you get 3rd line minutes, and the opportunity to earn more PT. But you have to start somewhere. That's what Hextall was trying to get these kids to understand, they're not going to push a veteran with a big salary who is still producing off the roster.