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In many ways, the comparison here suits the Biega story well. He spent four years toiling in the AHL before getting his first NHL look for seven games in 2014-15. He built a reputation for being an aggressive player who made smart plays.

To stay afloat in the league, the development never stops.

“I think I’ve done a good job at continually making my game better.”

Being willing to do whatever he can, whenever he can became his calling hard when he finally made the show.

“When you get to the highest league, the best level in the world, it’s intrinsic motivation,” he said.

Like everyone on the Canucks, he has something to prove.

“Same thing I prove every day,” he said. “I think I can be that five/six defenceman. Be a solid contributor and compete hard. Move the puck up ice. I think the league is trending in that direction with defencemen, where you’re getting more of a skating defenceman with mobility.”

The longer off-season because of the Canucks’ failure to make the playoffs got a positive spin from the Montreal native: “More time to work on your game.”

“I sit down at the end of the season and look at my game,” he said. He was back on the ice in early May. “I try to find was to improve (my game).”

And so with training camp, a list of defencemen that matches last year’s — slot Biega in at 7 or 8 — it’s back to the grindstone for the three-year NHL veteran.

“At the NHL level, it’s a performance league,” he said. To keep himself around, he needs to get better.

“That pushes every player, whether they’re making $7 million or they’re just trying to crack the roster.”

pjohnston@postmedia.com

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