Brendan Lemieux has the management’s attention.
The 19 year old NHL prospect, and son of former NHL alumni Claude Lemieux, has had a stellar offseason showcasing his grit, determination and talents. Oh did I mention his deep confidence, too?
As covered in an article by the Winnipeg Free Press, Lemieux knows that he has matured, but has much to prove.
“This past year I thought out-played a lot of first-round picks,” said Lemieux, a 2014 second round pick. “I had a big year last year and a big summer. I think I’m quite a ways from where I was at 18. I’ve grown a lot as a player and as a person… probably more off the ice, especially.”
It shows.
Lemieux notched 41 goals and 60 points in 57 games with the Barrie Colts last season, finishing in the top 5 on the team in points, and first on the team with 25 powerplay goals and 145 penalty minutes. Clearly Lemieux has the ability to play hard, earning the title as a true power forward. His abilities have carried over into his training camp play.
Ex-NHLer and current Jets radio broadcaster, Shane Hnidy, has spoken with TSN recently about Lemieux’s recent play.
“He [Lemieux] doesn’t change his game. He comes in and plays the way he wants and plays it the right way. I can already identify what kind of a player he’ll be. ”
Jets coach Paul Maurice has also been impressed with what he has seen. During the pre-game media conference for tonight’s game, Maurice expressed his interest in Lemieux’s play.
“I’m really interested in seeing him in an exhibition game,” says Maurice, “Brendan is a really good example of a player who has a defined game, I can really tell you what he does. I’ve seen it now for four days, rather consistently… He’s not far off from pro work level.”
Maurice mentioned that Lemieux is still developing and growing, so he expects that Lemieux will continue the trend towards playing with the big club.
“His attitude is right on all the drills, he’s playing like a veteran guy. He’s a power forward. A guy that will finish every check, he’ll compete for the pucks… but you have to have the hands to be a power forward.”
When asked whether Lemiuex will make the Jets roster out of camp, Maurice has an open mind.
“I think he’s doing everything he can. How it sorts itself out in two or three weeks, we’ll see. I like the guys who understand what it is they do… Those guys you can just fit into your game plan.”
One thing is for sure, Lemieux has impressed the top brass. If he continues to play his game, we will be seeing more of this sweater in the stands at MTS Centre.
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