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“Things just kind of aligned for me over the last year or so. I’m fortunate enough to get back. Not many guys can do that. For me, I count my blessings every day and make sure that I come to the rink ready to play and do what I can to keep myself here.”

B.C. hockey fans might remember Setoguchi spearheading the Cougars’ run to the WHL Western Conference finals 10 years ago. The eighth overall pick in the 2005 NHL Draft by the San Jose Sharks, the Taber, Alta., native had a 31-goal season for San Jose in 2008-09.

Photo by Harry How / Getty Images

He potted 11 goals in 75 games with the Jets in 2013-14, and then no goals in 12 games with the Flames in 2014-15.

Going into Wednesday night, Setoguchi had four goals and five assists in 28 games with Los Angeles, to go with a minus-two rating. He was averaging 13 minutes, nine seconds of ice time.

“We have a lot of (talented) guys on our team and on any given night someone could step up and play in that (top six) situation,” Setoguchi said after the Kings’ morning skate on Wednesday. “For me, it’s my opportunity tonight and I just have to make sure that I play my way and help the team, so that I stay there.

“Any time you’re getting more ice time playing in the top six, you have to make sure you’re creating chances, but at the same time playing very responsible in your own end. You’re most likely going to see the better players on the other team and you can’t be trading chances.”

He paused and smiled when he was asked how different he might be from four or five years ago.