I don't think that him doing a job on his shoulders last season in the playoffs helped. Obviously he needed to change some habits he picked up (some times billets take care of all the day to day stuff and never show them the way to live properly), which in this case is awesome...but not being able to work out as hard as you expect (or the Flames expected) due to rehab can make you be a little heavier than "norm".
But yes, looking at his time, and stats lately, he seems to finally getting his feet under him and I sense that his first Pro goal is just around the corner...the first of many.
Ryan struggled a bit as a 16 yr old until about Christmas as well. Then he went to play for the Under-17 tourney, and came back with all kinds of confidence and swagger that he needed to crank up his game. From seeing his comments, I am sensing that same thing all over again. Which only bodes well for Ward, the Heat and maybe even the Flames if needed up there this season.
And yes, once he gets on a role and in a groove, you could very well see him in "the show" this season. He is that special.
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