2023-08-17 16:48:20
QUEBEC CITY – Jakob Pelletier hopes to make a name for himself in the Calgary Flames organization this season.
The 22-year-old striker had a good start last season. Although coach Darryl Sutter couldn’t remember his name following his NHL debut on Jan. 21, Pelletier had seven points, including three goals, in 24 total games.
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Sutter is gone, replaced by rookie driver Ryan Huska, and the Flames also have a new general manager in Craig Conroy. So it’s a second chance for Pelletier to make a favorable first impression.
“I had a few discussions with everyone. They told me what they expect from me, while telling me about the path they will take,” said Pelletier, during the Pro-Am Gagné-Bergeron, a charity event sponsored by former Quebec hockey players, Simon Gagné and Patrice Bergeron.
“They saw what I could do last season,” added Pelletier. They expect me to step it up a notch and make an impact. »
A native of Quebec, the short athlete (5 feet 9 inches, 170 pounds) recognized that this was an important summer in his career, especially since he is in his last contract year.
“It’s up to me to show them what I’m capable of. »
The Flames’ 2019 first-round pick (26th overall) feels fortunate to have fellow Quebecer on the team, Jonathan Huberdeau, who will try to redeem a tough first season in Western Canada.
“He was really incredible when I arrived in January,” he said. We kept in touch after the season, we communicate together at least once a week. This summer, I’m going to Montreal every week to play with him. For me, he is like an idol. It’s like I’m living a dream. »
Video: CGY@VGK: Pelletier sets up Huberdeau’s goal
Pelletier even evolved in the company of his idol within a trio.
“I was playing with two stars, with Nazem Kadri, he said. I was a little intimidated, but we talked a lot on the players’ bench. The good communication that I immediately had with Jonathan helped cohesion on the ice. »
The Flames (38-27-17, 93 points) have a lot to make up for this season, after falling just short of the Western Conference playoffs in 2022-23.
“It’s a big year for a lot of guys, who are in their last year of contract and who could be eligible for full free agency after this season,” noted Pelletier. The philosophy may be different with the new leaders. All that matters to us is success and making the playoffs. »
*Article written with the collaboration of Sébastien Deschambault, Editorial Director NHL.com
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