Almost a perfect scenario. Kid gets a year to fill out, doesn't burn a year on his entry level deal and gets to be in a pro environment for half the year learning work habits, watching the games and soaking up the great culture of the team.
I don't know if they would have been able to send him down with his skill level but he was still pretty small to start the year, and plays a physical game - just a guess I don't know that it would have been the best thing for his development to play in the NHL for a full year. He already looks quite a lot older than the draft in those videos.
Plus a cameo for a few games later in the year will be really fun to watch.
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