He won't need to. He has a guaranteed spot as he will be on waivers if he doesn't. That means we will lose him for nothing and basically threw away a 2nd round pick.
Coach WD is already excited to have him in a potential Top 6 role, and that's over 3 games he played. AHL or not against edmonton, he scored quality goals. Both goal scorer goals. Just look at what he did on the 2nd goal, he initiated contact on the guy to make sure he doesn't get pushed away from his shot. I don't seem to remember any of our guys do that on a breakaway. That is an offensive player waiting to show his skills.
Why would he not make it next season?
Just finish in AHL strong, make sure he works hard over summer, then camps, then he's guaranteed a spot.