Frédérick Gaudreau shared the same dressing room as Roman Josi and Filip Forsberg in Nashville. He played one season with Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Kristopher Letang in Pittsburgh.
In Minnesota, Gaudreau has now gotten to know another NHL phenom, Russian Kirill Kaprizov. Winner of the Calder Trophy last year, Kaprizov once once more carries the Wild offense on his shoulders with 47 points (17 goals, 30 assists) in 36 games.
“Kirill falls into the category of exceptional players,” said Gaudreau. He is still young at 24. When you look at what he already accomplishes on the ice, you have no choice but to place him with the elite of the NHL. It’s still early to say that, but I feel that he will make his place among the greats of hockey. I see him every day in training. Physically, he is really strong. He has talent, but also determination.
Pitlick, a good player
Gaudreau also had good words for the new number 32 of the Canadian, Rem Pitlick.
“I played quite a long time with him in Milwaukee, he recalled. He quickly became one of my good friends. When I found out that the Wild had claimed him in October, I was really happy. He’s not just a friend, but a good player. I think the Canadian made a good move by making his acquisition, once more on waivers.
“Rem is good with the puck, he’s quick, he reads the game well and he’s a hockey fan,” he continued. For me, he is a solid player. He can also play center and wing.
Pitlick will cross paths with Gaudreau and the Wild Monday night on the ice at the Xcel Energy Center, but he will do so with the CH jersey on his back.