[FlamesAllTheWay]

First things first, the coaching staff thinks he's an NHL calibre player. On a team that has not only claimed "everything earned, nothing given" but shown they are willing to back it up with action, he has not been healthy scratched to date. He skates a pretty regular shift at 3rd/2nd line minutes and is a regular feature on our PK. The coaching staff also trusts him in some important situations (I believe he started OT and was on the ice for Monahan's GWG yesterday). So he must be doing something right.

Personally I think some people have gotten a bit too wrapped up in his lack of scoring touch on breakaways this season. Sure it'd be nice if he scored a bit more on them (shooting % this year is down 4.2% from his average) but it's not the be all end all. He's a good bottom 6 forward to have on the team. Quick, versatile, plays with some grit and can still chip in a few points here and there. By and large makes smart plays with the puck from what I have seen.

At this point I am guessing opposing D have also learned to respect his speed and likely sit back a tad when he's on the ice. Possibly an unnoticed/overlooked benefit to having him out there, especially on the PK.

He's also only 25 and makes league minimum salary. So I think we're getting a decent bang for our buck and judging by how fast he's gone from "long shot to make the team" to "NHL regular," he might still have some developing left to do and has some time to do it.

Long story short, yes he's an NHL calibre player and I hope we at least give some strong consideration to bringing him back for another season.