As I pondered compiling a standard Ex-Penguins update this morning, I stumbled upon a bit of news concerning a former black-and-gold prospect and immediately decided to make him my feature story instead.
Nathan Légaré made his NHL debut last night with the Devils.
I confess to being shocked, albeit in the most pleasant way.
The gritty 23-year old forward is one of a handful of players I occasionally keep tabs on. Unfortunately, in Nathan’s case, at least stats-wise, the news wasn’t very encouraging.
Although he possesses a wicked wrist shot that once produced a pair of goals in rapid succession during an exhibition game against the CBJ, the former Quebec Hockey League scoring ace had struggled to produce at the pro level.
Following a dynamic finish to his junior career that saw him light the lamp 14 times in 15 playoff games for Val d’ Or, Légaré managed just 15 goals in 125 games spread over two seasons with the Baby Pens.
Dealt to his hometown Canadiens as part of the Erik Karlsson blockbuster, I’d hoped Légaré might break out and fulfill his promise. However, he managed just six goals in 39 games for the AHL Laval Rocket before being traded a second time to New Jersey last March.
Only recently, I checked his stats on the current season. Three goals in 18 games for the Devils’ Utica farm club (and 47 penalty minutes).
That’s why I was stunned to learn the Devils had not only called Nathan up, but inserted him into the lineup for last night’s Metro tilt with the blood-rival Rangers. Apparently, the Devils are looking for more oomph from their fourth line.
By all accounts, Légaré delivered. In the process, helping to spark a 5-1 Devils victory.
“Légaré accrued two shots and six hits through three periods (11:42 of ice time) and was reliable in all three zones,” wrote James Nichols of New Jersey Hockey Now. “He was heavy on the forecheck and won his individual puck battles, which even led to a scoring chance where he nearly scored his first NHL goal.”
Devils coach Sheldon Keefe was also impressed.
“Légaré, for me in particular, played extremely hard, physical, hard on the puck, and advanced the puck,” he noted. “He played like a guy that wants to be in the NHL and knows who he is. And I thought he was really good for us.”
Needless to say, I couldn’t be happier for the kid. Also more than a little wistful. Our Pens could sorely use a youngster of Nathan’s ilk skating on our fourth line.
I’ll close with a history lesson. Back in 1983 the Pens selected left wing and fellow Montréal native Bob Errey 15th overall in the Entry Draft. A 50-goal scorer in junior while skating alongside Steve Yzerman, Errey was expected to fill the net, much in keeping with early expectations of Légaré.
Skating for our dreadful ’83-84 “Boys of Winter,” Errey managed just nine goals as a rookie and failed to produce in subsequent trials. For a time it appeared he might never resurface.
But Errey never quit. Instead, he remade himself into a gritty checker who occasionally contributed on the scoresheet. He went on to score 20-plus goals in three consecutive seasons for our Pens while filling an important two-way role for our back-to-back Cup champions.
He later served as captain for the San Jose Sharks and played in 895 NHL games before hanging up his skates.
Who knows what the future holds for Légaré? But nothing is impossible for those who believe and are willing to stick with it and put in the work.
Apparently Nathan’s doing just that.
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Hey all,
A brief follow-up, but worth mentioning. Although by no means a heavyweight (he's generously listed at 6'0" and 205 pounds) or classic puncher, Legare's been involved in five fights this season as documented on HockeyFights.com.
To me it speaks volumes of his compete level and indomitable spirit. Again, we could do far worse than having a player like Nathan on our team.
Rick