Making the National Hockey League sounds easy enough when you are a highly lauded prospect with credentials out the wazoo.

In reality, the pathway for these players is paved with hard work and unknown internal pressure.

Columbus Blue Jackets 2016 first round pick Pierre-Luc Dubois was selected third overall in the draft and was cut at the end of training camp.

Growing from past experiences is key to going down the right developmental path.

"I don't think a lot of guys are happy when they get cut," said Dubois. But it is all about learning. I'm still young and I came back to juniors and had a lot of ups and downs last year."

Dubois has goals for this upcoming season and none of them are centered around going back to the QMJHL again.

"Same as last year (my goals) are to make the team," Dubois explained. "I mean this summer is really different for me from last summer. I don't have the draft, I don't have the combine, I don't have all the stuff that comes with the draft. It's going to be more of a training summer, more relaxed and get ready for camp."

It should only be made easier by the fact that the Blue Jackets lost William Karlsson in the NHL Expansion Draft and will need to fill the spot with a center, either inside the organization or out of it.

"Whether it was him (Karlsson) or anybody else, I think to make the team you have to make your way in," noted Dubois. "Whether it's, I don't want to be mean but pushing somebody out but I mean you have to make your place."

Hockey is a tough business and Dubois realizes it. Whether or not he makes the team, will be under his control. He isn't the only young player trying to make an impact come October.

Only three more months until the opening night roster is set. Competition will be fierce and Dubois should be right in the middle of it all.