[sureLoss]

http://www.calgarysun.com/2016/03/31...signs-contract

As the clock ticked down on his final year at Providence College, one would think at some point the 21-year-old had to have secretly perused some of the options around the NHL, seeing where he might be a fit.

After all, despite nurturing him for four years, the Calgary Flames only held his rights until Aug. 15, at which point he was free to shop around and choose his destination.

Tempting?

“Well … actually a few months ago, my advisor and I sat down and had a talk, and it was then we figured out there’s no reason to look outside Calgary,” Jankowski said at the tail end of a whirlwind day in which he signed his first pro contract with the Flames, flew to San Francisco and made his way to watch his new AHL club in Stockton.

“He asked if there was any reason to not be there, and I said, ‘no, I’m very happy here.’ Honestly, there was no looking around.”

While Treliving deserves plenty of kudos for building a relationship with a kid he never drafted, he credits the work of development staffers like Troy Crowder, Ron Sutter and Ray Edwards for not only fostering the relationship but pushing the youngster constantly.

Even when the Flames rejected Jankowski’s plea to turn pro last year after winning a national title, it didn’t damage the bond between the two sides as it was explained another year in college would be in his best interest.

“Looking back, I think it was best,” said Jankowski, who led the team in scoring with 40 points in 38 games, marking his fourth-straight point increase.

“Playing first-line centre with a great group and with a target on our backs as defending champions was a great experience. Ever since I was drafted in 2012, the organization has been nothing but great. I wanted to be here and be a Flame. Now, I’m definitely ready to make the next step.”