BT also has to deserve a demotion.
If he started the season in the AHL being up here would be a reward, and sending him back would be fine. Since he started in the NHL being sent down would be a demotion, and he would have to deserve it.
In my opinion he is busting ass every game, getting chances, and generally putting in top level effort at all times. His numbers also indicate that he can play in this league, so what would be the reason. People get hung up on the idea that playing in a lower league means that a player will magically develop into a better player in a higher league. This is not a rule, rather each player needs a specific development path that caters to the personally. Especially your top prospects, they will have a very specific plan in place.
There is value in letting a guy play through his slumps and regain his confidence. A demotion is more of a punishment when you have been an NHL player and wouldn’t be helpful in my opinion.