Quoting: ColonelX
Romanov regardless of whom he's playing with couldn't be sheltered if he's playing top pairing. If you want to shelter him you make him play bottom four with a steady/proven veteran, not 25 minutes a game against Kane, Crosby and McDavid. Second pair with Petry or a third pair with a UFA veteran (Looking at you Shattenkirk!) should be where Romanov begins his NHL career, he's hyped but still a rookie.
I think the word "insulate" fits better in this case than the word "shelter".
Mete was playing with Weber as a 19 year old straight out of junior (no KHL experience, no WJC, etc.). Mete was also the best option out of Alzner, Benn, and Schlemko that year, the defence sucked, but having said that Mete did just fine finishing with a +5 on a terrible team.
I'd like to see Romanov with Weber to start. On paper it's a good fit; Romanov's mobility is an upgrade over Chiarot, his physical play is much better than Mete's. He is known for his defensive play so he should be able to handle playing against top players. He also has a good shot, something Mete didn't have (teams could cheat with Weber).
If it doesn't work out then you can change things around, we already know Mete and Chiarot can play with Weber. I want Romanov to get a real look in the NHL (Top 4 minutes with PP and PK) otherwise he is better off developing in the AHL. This organization needs Romanov to work out, so I'm willing to live with the rookie mistakes as long as he is being developed for the role they want him to play.