His placement in the mid-winter’s showcase is well-deserved.  And well-appreciated.

There’s zero chance of him turning up his nose at an invitation to the American Hockey League’s all-star weekend in Syracuse, N.Y.  Yet …

“I don’t think for anybody going, it was their dream to go to an AHL all-star game,” said Derek Grant, a member of the Calgary Flames organization currently plying his trade with the AHL’s Stockton Heat. “You always want to be at that next level.”

The centreman knows well the best-versus-best drill.

As a teenager with junior hockey’s Langley Chiefs, Grant participated in a pair of BCHL all-star matches, always useful gatherings for prospects and NHL scouts. (After his rookie campaign with Langley in 2007-08, he was drafted by the Ottawa Senators in the fourth round — five picks after T.J. Brodie.)

Skating among the AHL’s finest is significant, too — beyond the obvious honour.

Because for Grant, a restricted free agent after this season, and the rest of his all-star buddies, War Memorial Arena serves as a stage.

Players, especially one as hot-handed as Grant, want to be seen.

So this isn’t stake-less.

“It’ll probably be more competitive than the NHL’s (all-star games) have been,” said the 25-year-old. “It’s something you have fun with, but I think the guys will be competitive. You don’t want to go out there and lose.”

Numbers — with the exception of one — are stacked on Grant’s side.

Six-foot-three and 210 lb., the pivot leads the AHL in shots, with 117 — including a whopping 13 one night.

Grant’s 17 goals (in 24 games) are third-most. The leaders — Wilkes-Barre/Scranton’s Scott Wilson and Hershey’s Chris Bourque — have skated in at least a half-dozen more contests.

“My most productive year as a pro,” Grant said. “I’m playing probably the best hockey I’ve played. Shooting the puck more is something I came into this year trying to do … and I’m trying to be around the net at all times. So far, I’ve been rewarded.

“I’m just trying to do my bit to help our team win, and, at the same time, try to help myself get back to the NHL.”

The single statistic not in his favour?

One more appearance at the NHL level makes him waiver eligible. Meaning if he’s summoned — and suits up — the Flames would have to expose Grant to every team in the league if they want to return him to Stockton.

In theory, this is a good thing for players who have paid their minor-league dues.

In reality, it can be a roadblock.

“The waiver thing is there to protect players, but sometimes it maybe does the opposite in certain circumstances,” said Grant, who has skated in 34 NHL matches. “You try to make things as tough as you can on management. I think if I just keep playing well, hopefully I get another chance (to play in the NHL).”

The collective bargaining agreement’s fine print doesn’t seem to have rattled the Abbotsford, B.C., native, who’s in the midst of a seven-game point-spree.

The only interruption? Last Saturday’s bout of food poisoning in Rockford, Ill., where he spent the hours leading up to puck-drop sleeping in the bus. He couldn’t play, “which was kind of tough,” Grant said.

However, the next night, Grant was back in harness, collecting one goal and three assists for his club-leading ninth multi-point outing.

“If you miss a game,” said Grant, “you’re pretty excited to get back out there.”

In the season’s early stages, he dressed nine times for the Flames. Pointless, he won 56.8 of his faceoffs — 42-of-74 — and dished out 18 hits.

“I felt better as it went on,” Grant said. “My role there was quite a bit different than what it is when I come down here.”

Of course, he’d appreciate another ticket north.

“I would have liked to contribute offensively (in Calgary),” added Grant. “In my time there, I wasn’t able to do that. I’m hoping, after coming down here and getting that side of my game back, if I get another chance up there, I can bring that to the table as well.”