Always earned. Never given.
Not saying it's either Seto or Jooris making the team, but lets look at these two as an example. And I don't think you can simply earn a spot with a standout training camp, it would be asinine to disregard everything else you've seen or know about the player outside of camp.
What has Seto done to earn a spot? So-so camp, as advertised pretty much. His stock has been trending downwards for the past couple seasons. He did play some great hockey back in the SJ days but what has he done since then, with lesser linemates (you know, the type he'll be playing with here)? I feel if he stays on this roster, it's hardly earned and mostly given.
Jooris, on the other hand. Comes in as a fresh face and impresses the staff enough to give him a contract. Has done everything asked of him and surpassed expectations of both the fans and, I'd wager, management. He has been a bright spot all camp long and has outshone players like Seto in almost every way. He may be lacking experience in the bigs but what are rebuilding years for if you're not going to let such players gain experience. If he makes the team it will truly be earned, and not given.
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