Not going to lie if the thumb is still an issue, they'd be far better to just shut him down/red-shirt him.
The worst thing they could have happen is him re-injuring it, and spending a majority of his off season rehabbing it and not training.
100 % what they should do, I concur. I think he mentioned in a interview that if the break isn't healed properly, it's a issue that can effect him negatively for the remainder of his playing career. Just let the kid heal; it's the best possible coarse of action for both parties.
Agreed, let it heal properly so that he has a good offseason of training so that he's ready to tear the NHL a new one at TC next season.
I can't help but think back to Broberg's injury in the world juniors. He had a incredible start, making a joke out of the tournament with a 3 point game (all in the first period I believe?) before injuring his shoulder.
Ken Holland was made available for interview shortly after. He acknowledged the injury and was pleased to hear that Broberg chose to play through it as that's often a positive trait in the NHL game. I remember thinking WTH, you shouldn't be wanting a guy you went out on a limb to select 8th overall to be playing through injury in this tournament. Shut him down if you can. As it turns out, it continued to effect his play through out the world juniors and regular season for his club team.
I understood Broberg's position though, he's honored, and want's to be one of the guys to win gold for his nation. He showed he has heart and will do the same if the Oilers require (playoffs/stanley cup). In that scenario I support him (Ken Holland's frame of thinking)