Ruzicka had strong numbers with the Flames last year. In those 28 regular-season tilts, he put up 10 points (5G, 5A) and was a positive possession player, while averaging more than 10 minutes per game in a fourth-line role. Admittedly, his proficiency in the faceoff circle could use some work, winning only 46.2% of his draws - including a 41.5% mark in the defensive zone.
In time, that typically comes with a young player. But he also knew that he could use the off-season to his advantage, to improve that and other areas of his game that demand a more rigorous workload.
"Get faster, (better) conditioning and more agile," he said of his summer goals. "I got some good reps with the NHL guys back home. … (Tomas) Tatar, (Martin) Fehervary, (Richard) Panik. It's a pretty good group."
He certainly has the moxie part down.
When asked if he's ready for The Show on a full-time basis, there was no hesitation.
"I'm ready," he said. "Last year, I got comfortable playing in the NHL and got to pick up on the speed and get the chemistry with the guys.
"Just got to be consistent and be good in every single game that I'm going to play."