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SUMMER SPOTLIGHT: NATHAN LÉGARÉ

SUMMER SPOTLIGHT: NATHAN LÉGARÉ

By Jason Shaya

Jul 17, 2024

When Nathan Légaré was traded from the Montreal Canadiens organization to the New Jersey Devils, he stepped into the locker room in Utica where the team was in a nightly battle for their playoff hopes. The Montreal native was originally drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the third round of the 2019 NHL Entry Draft and went on to skate two seasons for Wilkes-Barre/Scranton before being traded to his hometown team.

It was 39 games into last season with Laval when he was notified he’d be heading to Utica. Traded for Arnaud Durandeau, Légaré immediately found chemistry with centerman Filip Engaras and winger Sam Laberge. Finishing the final 15 games of the season, Légaré and his line created a solid foundation for the Comets’ push to the post-season. Despite falling short of their goal of the postseason, Légaré's hard-working and physical style opened eyes amongst the Utica fanbase as he became a major part of a late season push to qualify for the AHL playoffs. As he awaits in Montreal during the off-season for training camp to start, Nathan reflected on the previous season and looked ahead at what’s to come during the 2024-25 campaign. 

 

Last season, after being traded to the New Jersey Devils organization, you had a very successful run with Utica. Can you tell us what it was like being traded and finding a pretty good line with Engaras and Laberge?

Légaré: Obviously, it was a bit of a surprise to be traded from Montreal. Being in my hometown was special, but I was extremely happy to join the New Jersey Devils organization. The organization and my teammates were very well supported which allowed me to feel comfortable and able to perform well. Playing with Fil (Engaras) and Laberge made it easier for me to play— in addition to being very good players, they are even better people.

 

It was a disappointing end for the Comets at the end of the year, but the final month was like playing a playoff game every night because the standings were so close. Can you talk about what it was like to play incredibly important games for almost a solid month as you went into the home stretch of the regular season?

Légaré: I think for every hockey player, playoff hockey is the best. The fact that we didn’t make it was obviously disappointing, but the fact that we were so close last year, I’m sure guys are even hungrier for this year.

 

Tell us what you do during the summer to stay relaxed and not think about hockey. Some guys play golf, other players fish. How do you unwind and rest during the offseason?

Légaré: During the summer, I like to play golf, softball, and deck hockey. I also like fishing and hunting.

 

 

Next season will be your 4th year of pro hockey. What are you working on this summer to prepare for another season? I am sure there are some excellent training and skating options in Montreal.

Légaré: During the summer, I have the chance to work with very good coaches. Off the ice with Stephane Dube and Stephano Lanni. While on the ice with Julien Tremblay. I mainly focus on my speed and weaker part of my game. 

 

It’s been a long summer and in some ways it’s great to have time to recover. But I’m assuming you are ready to soon to get to NHL training camp. Tell us how excited you are about playing some real hockey games in just a few months. 

Légaré: Summers are always fun at the beginning, but by July you can't wait for hockey to start again. Especially for me, it will be a new opportunity so I just can't wait to show what I can do.

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