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Undoubtedly, Dube deserved to be on the opening day roster at the beginning of October. His pre-season turned heads, and he didn’t slow down when the puck dropped for real on Oct. 3 against the Vancouver Canucks (he logged 9:07 that game and was noticeable).

And there was no question that he deserved to be in the lineup for the next four straight games.

Then, after taking one game off to rest his bum wheel, he deserved to dress for the following nine games, with many appearances almost seeing him net his first NHL marker. He has played mostly third line minutes and has averaged 10:01 of ice time (prior to Monday’s game). Saturday (6:05) and on Oct. 19 against Nashville (6:27) were the only two games this saw him play around six minutes of ice time. On three occasions, he has played over 13 minutes (15:18 on Oct. 9 against the host Nashville Predators, 13:24 on Oct. 25 against the visiting Pittsburgh Penguins and 13:49 on Oct. 27 against the visiting Washington Capitals).

Photo by Kevin Hoffman / Getty Images

But, moving forward, will he be playing quality minutes?

Also, his age and experience must be factored into the equation. Monday was his 16th NHL game, ever.

It’s not uncommon for a player of his age and experience to receive a few games of seasoning at the American Hockey League level.

Dube disagreed.

“I don’t see why it would,” he said when asked if playing for the AHL’s Stockton Heat where he’d log more minutes. “I’m here. I got here and at a certain point, we’re 20 games in, and I’m not too worried about it … It’s the hardest league in the world to play in, and I accept that. For practice days and workout days, I put everything into them. It’s not a one-year plan here … I really have to earn it.”

In other words, his focus hasn’t changed since arriving on scene a few months ago.

“Before I got injured, I was hoping to see myself in the lineup, and I’ve gotta earn it every single practice,” Dube said. “That’s why I’ve stayed here … That’s what I have to do in order to keep getting in and playing every day. (My mindset) can’t (change). This whole year, it’s going to be that way. I understand that, and it’s exciting. You have to be on your toes every single day.”

kanderson@postmedia.com

http://www.twitter.com/KDotAnderson