The 26-year-old veteran of nearly 500 NHL games is hoping prove he belongs in the league again after finding himself as a NHL/AHL tweener.

When the Carolina Hurricanes signed Tyson Jost this summer, they knew that above all, they were getting a versatile player.

Not just a guy with NHL experience who they could depend on to stem the tide in the case of injuries, but someone who could also play multiple positions or in different special teams situations.

"He's an NHL guy that's played a lot of games and is a little bit versatile." said Hurricanes coach Rod Brind'Amour. "We've used him in every position, can kill penalties can go on the power play. It's a real valuable player to have."

While Carolina was looking for versatility, Jost more-so was looking for stability. Not just in terms of opportunity, but also with culture and expectations.

"Just a great group, a great organization," Jost told The Hockey News back in October. "You can just tell it's super professional and that they're here to win. hat excites me a lot. It reminds me a lot of my time in Colorado in how things are ran and how professional it is and how guys want to get better every day and win. It's definitely refreshing and I'm excited to be back in a spot where that's the main goal. Guys are awesome too so I'm happy to be a Cane."

The opportunity wasn't immediately there for Jost though, who started the year with the Chicago Wolves of the AHL as rookie Jackson Blake earned his way onto the big club.

But it wasn't so much an indictment on Jost as it was an indictment on the Hurricanes' cap situation which left no room for carrying additional players.

"If we were keeping 13 forwards, he probably would have been up here all year," Brind'Amour said. "First of all, he's played in the NHL for a long time and he can play all the positions up front and he can kill and be on the power play. He's kind of done a little bit of everything."

Opportunity has started to find Jost as of late though as he's now appeared in 10 games with Carolina this season, seven when Seth Jarvis went down with injury in November and three ever since Jack Drury was sidelined due to a broken hand.

While there was a bit of clamor to potentially give some of the younger guys a shot when Drury went down, Jost was the obvious pick with four goals and nine points in 14 AHL games.

"He was the better guy down there," Brind'Amour said. "I watched all the games and clearly when you watch, he's the guy that looks like an NHLer and these other guys, you're just not sure of. So especially when a guy like Jack goes down, it was an easy fit."

Stylistically too, the fit has seemed to be a perfect one for both Jost and the team.

"Whatever the coach asks me, I'll do it and give 110% every time I'm out there and that's one thing I've always had," Jost said. "I work my butt off, compete and give it my all. Just getting in on pucks, forechecking and creating havoc on the other team's D-man. Whatever coach wants, doing what's called upon me."

In 10 games with Carolina, all on the team's fourth line, Jost has had strong possession numbers with a 55.61 CF% and 54.55 HDCF%.

In terms of actual results, his lines have outscored opponents 3-1 at 5v5 too.

"Honestly, I've loved how I've played up here," Jost said. "I feel like I belong in the NHL and I know I can play here. So it's nice to come up and play well and prove that I belong. I know I have that in me. It's been a little difficult going up and down and living in a hotel, but I'm not complaining. I'm just grateful to be here and I want to make the most of every opportunity and stay up here. That's the goal."

Jost has scored twice himself, once off his rear and once off of his stick, and is rocking a 53.33% faceoff win percentage.

He has 13 hits and six blocked shots too and just overall, he's looked every part the steady veteran in his call ups.

"I just want to find my footing again and prove that I'm a full-time NHL player," Jost said. "Last year was a tough year being up and down and just the circumstances in Buffalo. I think I was playing good hockey but it was just the way things shook out. It didn't really go as I planned or envisioned. So I just want to get back on my feet. I know I'm a good player and that I can play really well, play in this league."

So far, so good for Jost, and with Drury out at least a month, the Manitoba-native will have ample chance to continue to showcase his talent and prove his case.