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“He’s a good two-way guy and probably one of the best skaters in the NHL already. He sees the ice really well and he’s skilled. He’s got all the assets.”

Barzal was pointless through the first five games this season and then it all started to click. The speed and shiftiness were always there, but he started playing confidently in and through traffic and his statistical game took off.

“I started heating up a bit and right there I knew that I could help the team and be an impact player,” added Barzal, who will play before at least 100 family and friends Monday.

Still, the success didn’t happen overnight and that’s why the Barzal story is endearing.

He played just two games last season and after his statistics line — no points, no shots and a minus-2 rating — he willingly went back to Seattle. Instead of sulking, he put up 79 points (10-69) in 41 games and another 25 points (7-18) in 32 playoff outings to lead the T-Birds to the league title and a Memorial Cup berth.

“I wasn’t going to let a year go to waste,” said Barzal. “We had a good team and a good coach (Steve Konowalchuk) who kept me accountable. I had a blast. It was my favourite year of hockey.”

Linemate Eberle went through a similar scenario with the Edmonton Oilers and become a better player because of it.

“One thing you need to find in the league is confidence,” Eberle said. “I had a really good camp as a 19-year-old and had a (roster) shot and maybe should have been there, but they sent me back (to the WHL). It was the best thing to happen to me. I got to play in Regina and the World Juniors and dominate.”