It's a process in learning the NHL game and becoming a full time NHL regular. I am still hopeful for the kid. He is not a professional rookie or anything considering his age but he has only a few dozen NHL games under his belt.
Plenty of players get later starts in their careers and can go onto decent or established NHL careers. A few recent Calgary Flames examples would be Gio and Engelland.
Hopefully he learns as much as he can in his time this year and is able to come back with another contract, stronger and with more successful.
Derek Engelland talked a lot about the sacrifices his wife made working double shifts in Vegas which allowed him the ability to eat properly and train. It was that sacrifice that helped him actually reach the NHL and stay there. I think he became a regular in the show at 29?
Either way, I wish the kid luck
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