“There’s really nothing to sulk about,” Kadri said calmly. “I’ve been given an opportunity of a lifetime here. This is the NHL, there’s no room for crybabies.

“If it means going down and playing the AHL, whatever I’ll handle it. I’ll play my best and I’ll be right back up here.”

Wilson all but confirmed a resolution percolating to fruition for the better part of two weeks as Kadri struggled to carry the heavy burden of fans, media and the team itself.

“I can’t see him playing in our lineup opening night and I don’t think it’s that important,” Wilson said after the defeat in Detroit. “He’s gotta learn to be a better hockey player and this was a great opportunity for him to play against what appears to be the Red Wings from two years ago, a very determined team…a real men’s team out there.”