I really think the Swiss National League is a great level for him to compete at.
I'm really ecstatic for him, but I think, okay, you're 18 and putting up those numbers in National League, then people think you are ready for the next level up because you tend to improve in your early to mid twenties.
On the other hand, he's pushing 35 and will likely decline. But for the meantime, and perhaps until he's almost 40, it looks like he can be effective there if he wants. So, I'm surprised he's not fully content to stay put.
To see him listed on team USA while knowing the kind of talent USA really has at wing, especially at left wing, doesn't convince me that Abdelkader is pulling off an NHL comeback; it just convinces me that a number or other American wingers are skipping IIHF. But prove me wrong and I'll be happy.