Here's another point involving Gaunce as the guy he might take a spot from:
Schaller at age 24 scored 18 points in 72 AHL games. Schaller is going to be 28 in November, he has peaked.
Gaunce at age 22 scored 38 points in 46 AHL games. Gaunce is going to be 25 in March, he has not peaked.
I would rather give Gaunce another kick at the can, especially considering he was injured for most of last year, rather than a 28 year old placeholder that doesn't have a future here.