We are all arm-chairing this without having seen him play a shift since getting a significant role increase in Sweden. We sent him back to allow him to develop and he took full advantage of it. If he has improved as much as it appears since the first 9 games, then I don't understand how anyone can argue this. He could come out and be a point machine and yes it would be a blow to burn a year, but in the same who is to say in the next two years he wont prove his worth. It would be a blow to not have that extra year at a cheaper rate, but I am trying to be optimistic. He will prove his worth and we will have to pay it out sooner... a problem, but a good one to have. I get he could come out and show nothing has changed, odds of which I don't believe to be high but even still, it is worth the risk.
Not being mentioned is the confidence that it will bring to him. For him to have been sent back, worked so hard all year, and now get called up when a team needs it most has to be an ultimate pat on the back. He is a hard worker and future captain material. I have a feeling he takes this to heart and Koivu esque, will be VERY proud on the ice and do so while providing.
Others have mentioned the spark in the rear this might give everyone else just by having pressure. But I think the main spark was EARNED by JEE. Also.. the guy who needs pressure is Dubs. I am a firm believer if he had even an OUNCE of threat from Kuemper he would have upped his game long ago, hard for any combination of lines to get anything going when its ruined by the softest of soft goals, they have zero confidence.
The only thing more sure that scoring a goal high glove on Dubs, is that JEE will be an even better player than when he left. Good move.