Jakob Pelletier calls out the Calgary Flames for placing him on waivers

Jakob Pelletier received a double-barrel reality check when the Calgary Flames placed him on waivers and no other NHL club claimed him. The young forward described it as getting punched in the face twice in a short span of hours. It wasn't the first time things didn't go according to plan during his young career. He's had a streak of bad luck: The 23-year-old suffered an actual serious injury to his left shoulder, one that needed surgery during last year's training camp and kept him off the ice for four months.

Sadly, Pelletier's good fortunes didn't last. Finally back on the ice, all of four games into his comeback, he was again forced off by a devastating hit from the New York Rangers' rugged defenseman Jacob Trouba. Same shoulder, back to being sidelined for many more weeks. Undeterred, Pelletier trained with more conviction this off-season and expressed his desire to come to Flames camp this year in top shape and form, but again, his offensive game did not sparkle bright enough to give him a regular roster spot.

The Calgary Flames ultimately decided to send Pelletier back to the American Hockey League, risking exposing him to waivers. Pelletier admits he had hoped another NHL team would claim him and give him a fresh start; that call never came. He does not shy away from his part in the situation. It is maturity taken in when one takes responsibility for their performance.

Pelletier said the battle-wear and tear, both physical and mental, of last season spit on his morale. The rumors started to swirl that Pelletier might be a target for the Montreal Canadiens, but Pelletier, having taken down his social media, wasn't even aware of the speculation. He took himself off X and other platforms to put more time into his game and head and demonstrate accountability for growth.

But through it all, Jakob Pelletier has still believed in himself and his future in the NHL. He's always seemed to be of the mind that it was only a matter of time before he was a mainstay in the league, and the drive that has led him through an up-and-down pro career to this point suggests that it won't be much longer.