Yup. At the very least, managing game works in minor hockey and is the best way for refs to avoid taking violent verbal and sometimes physical abuse. I can only speak about my experiences but this was absolutely the case for me.
Anyway, the NHL should be held to a higher standard of course. But when you're taught something and you do it for your entire professional career, to suddenly stop at the highest level may be a lot to ask. They should absolutely do it and it should be the message and standard, but the problem runs a bit deeper than just the NHL mandate.
So yes, this may be a reach but I think one of the roots of the issue is verbal abuse in minor hockey that makes managing the game essential for survival.