Not sure it matters, to be honest. He hasn't earned a greater chance on the Canucks and if it takes an AHL stint to work on his game in order to have the tools to do more with his next chance then that's the way it has to be. If he'd rather go to the KHL rather than truly prep for a NHL career, then that's on him, not the organization.
Same feelings with waiver exempt status. If the Canucks decide the AHL is what's best for his development and another team wants to take a chance? Well, I guess you take the risk, because the way things are now, he's not doing enough at the NHL level and I don't see him getting better doing the same thing.
The trade was a worthy gamble, but looks like it won't pan out.