Rookie defenceman has been playing in the NHL since last month when injuries to Sean Durzi and John Marino forced the team to promote him.
At age 20, the Laval native is a rookie defenceman for the Utah Hockey Club. He spent an off-day Monday touring some of his old stomping grounds while visiting family and friends. He had a media throng waiting for him on Tuesday after the team’s morning skate at the Bell Centre, prior to facing the Canadiens Tuesday night.
Little wonder the smile never left his face, with Lemoureux quickly realizing he’s no longer in Salt Lake City — or Tucson for that matter. That’s where he was playing for the AHL Roadrunners before Utah sustained injuries to defencemen Sean Durzi and John Marino, forcing it to recall Lamoureux on Oct. 23. He made his NHL debut the following night, during a 5-1 loss to Colorado, and hasn’t looked back.
“There’s not many (20 year olds) in the NHL. I feel like it’s a battle every day. You have to earn your place every day because I’m playing against some dads who are 35 years old or 30, that have played their whole careers in the NHL. That was the biggest adjustment — playing with people way older than me. Bigger and stronger, too.”
Bigger? Not likely. Even off skates, the 6-foot-6 Lamoureux towers over many. But at 196 pounds, he’s somewhat gangly-looking at first sight. On the ice, however, it’s a different story.
Lamoureux is a strong skater who moves the puck well and is aware in the offensive zone. He’s obviously physical, given his size, but has the skill, finesse and shot of a smaller player. And he enjoys a reach advantage when battling for loose pucks or attempting to poke check opposing players.
“Was it a press conference or a reality show?” Tourigny quipped about the media demands for Lamoureux. “He’s a great skater, a great kid who’s easy to coach. Good with the puck. He’s strong physically. He needs to learn the balance in his physicality. But so far he’s doing a really good job.”
Given Lamoureux’s age, this will be a baptism by fire. Tourigny will be forced to live with some mistakes caused by inexperience and youthful exuberance.
“Ready or not, that’s the NHL. Throw him in the pool and he needs to figure it out,” Tourigny said. “He’s doing a good job. It’s not like he’s surviving right now. He’s really helping us every night to win games.”
Lamoureux and his family moved to Hawkesbury, Ont., when he was 14 to improve his English. He spent four seasons playing junior in Drummondville — the Voltigeurs selecting him 12th overall in the 2020 midget draft — where his statistics improved annually. He also was a member of Team Canada at last year’s world junior championship in Sweden.
Lamoureux has already overcome adversity in his young career, having undergone two shoulder surgeries.
“I feel like I’ve adjusted pretty well. I feel like now, playing in the NHL, is normal for me. It’s just my day now. Being in the NHL, it’s always good.”