Cardiff Devils managing director Todd Kelman says sending Toms Rutkis to Swindon Wildcats on another two-way deal is best for his development right now.
The 22-year-old is back with the Devils, but will play with the NIHL National League side as well as he continues to gain experience.
And Kelman revealed his belief that he sees Rutkis making a permanent step up to the top flight in the future.
“Toms has been training with us most weeks for the last few seasons and he continues to get better every year,” he said.
“We believe that he will be a full-time EIHL player soon but the experience he is getting in Swindon is better for his development right now. He is playing in all situations for them and Swindon are a great organisation to be at.
“Toms is a great person and fits right into the culture of the Cardiff Devils. He works hard on the ice and in the gym and wants to get better every day.
“You can’t teach someone to have a great attitude, he came to us with that.
“We are grateful for our ongoing partnership with the Wildcats. I feel lucky to be able to have the working relationship we have with such a solid club.
“Toms is benefiting from the coaching and ice time he is getting there as well as the training and game time he is getting with us.”
Rutkis scored 20 goals and 18 assists in 42 games for Swindon last season on top of 20 games for the Devils, including appearances in all six Champions League games.
