Return

So for the April Appreciation month being held by #deviantHEART, we're supposed to upload something we appreciate in our lives every day for the month of April.

My appreciation for the day? The ones who return.

There are some players that during the transition from one season to the next very nearly slip through the fingers of their team. Trades, injuries taken during the season revealed to be worse than previously thought or aggravated beyond recovery, call-ups, lured away by greater pay in Europe, or giving up on the whole notion of making it to the NHL. Some players we nearly lose because of our folly. This guy was almost one of those. Months went by where we just didn't know whether we'd ever get him back on our roster. I suspect but do not know for certain that he was very nearly traded before ever appearing on our ice. But then a little late in the season there he was again. It was a very good thing too. He ended up being the team's top scorer and sixth in the league and I can't help feeling like we dodged a bullet.

^{I love my job, and I'm very fond of the athletes I work with. All images are ©copyright 1pen and my sports media company.You may NOT use, replicate, manipulate, or modify this image without my permission. All Rights Reserved.}