I don't think sending him back to junior damages the relationship. Does he dream of being a great player on a ####ty team or does he dream of being a key contributor to a team that wins the Stanley Cup? I bet (hope) it's the latter.
He and the Flames both have some work to do before that's a likely event.
Having a young player who's expected to be great on a team that struggles every night can also be damaging. I think sending him back to junior (give him the 9 games if he earns it) is probably best for his development and for the Flames rebuild.
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