Another way to look at this, is what benefit to us, is a 3rd round pick next year? Maybe we'll hit on it, and they will contribute in 3-5 years... so it's zero benefit at the current time. Him sitting at home really isn't any different to us, than a 3rd round pick next year... So, who cares, sit at home.
I think he can be a good player for us, a 25g, 20a type of guy. Not a star, but a useful contributor.
But he hasn't established himself fully, just shown potential..... so he has no leverage. He isn't some star that we can't possibly start the season without. As
@conFABulator mentions, there could be some benefits to him sitting out, though we'd be better with him on the team.
He has no leverage, so... sign and play. Prove your worth, there is opportunity here, probably more opportunity at LW, than most of the other teams in the league.