The former Remparts signed his first one-shot deal with the Lightning
Although he just signed his first deal at a career stage with the Tampa Bay Lightning, former Quebec Remparts forward Adam Erne is far from taking his place in the NHL for granted.
After the first three years of his rookie contract, the 23-year-old American was last week on a one-season extension with the $ 800,000 Lightning.
But contrary to popular belief, a one-shot deal does not necessarily mean that the signed player will play in the NHL.
In fact, by signing up with the Lightning on a one-pane deal, Erne gets the guarantee that he will pocket $ 800,000 in 2018-2019, whether he plays in the NHL or the American Hockey League.
"It's exciting to sign my first one-shot deal," said the Connecticut native hockey player in a phone interview with the Journal . I do not think it confirms my place in the Lightning lineup for next season, but it shows that they trust me.
"They've always treated me well and I'm excited to be back and have a chance to play in the NHL with them. "
Many attackers
Since making the jump to the professionals after four seasons with the Remparts of Quebec, in 2015-2016, Erne played a total of 49 games in the big league between 2016 and 2018. He scored six goals and collected a mention of help.
An imposing physical winger, Erne has a different style than most of the talented attackers who make up the team's offensive squad right now.
When we look at the team's current roster, we can deduce that Erne will fight for the few places available with the team at training camp.
At the moment, Tampa counts on ten forwards considered as NHL regulars in Steven Stamkos, Ryan Callahan, Ondrej Palat, JT Miller, Tyler Johnson, Nikita Kucherov, Alex Killorn, Yanni Gourde, Brayden Point and Cédric Paquette.
Acquired in return for Peter Budaj, Andy Andreoff has also spent the last three seasons with the Los Angeles Kings, but has only played 30 and 45 games in the past two seasons.
constancy
Erne is also well aware of the congestion attacking the Lightning and that's why he intends to take advantage of his strength to make a place with the big club.
"I have to keep doing what I do. They do not have a lot of big players like me. So I have to keep working to be consistent every night and give my best effort.
"In juniors or even in minors, you can have a bad night, but still get away with a good match. In the NHL, if you are not at your best, it seems. "
GROULX, A "HARD" COACH LIKE ROY
In the last two seasons, Adam Erne has spent more time in the American Hockey League than in the NHL, which has allowed him to work with Syracuse Crunch coach Benoît Groulx.
True to his reputation, there is no half-measure with the former Olympiques de Gatineau driver, Erne assures.
"He's a tough coach," said the American when asked about Groulx. He is very rigorous and knows what he wants. It is very similar to what Patrick [Roy] was in my day with the Remparts. "
This is nothing new, by the way. Groulx has always had the reputation of being demanding and that's what allowed him to climb the ladder in hockey and win on many levels.
The way
If his techniques are not always unanimous, Erne ensures that with hindsight, he understands why Groulx has been so successful and developed so many players over the years.
"On the spot, we are not always in agreement with his way of doing things, but I realize that he allowed me to go to the next level. Sometimes it can be difficult when you're in the moment, but then you realize how much it helps you. He's a good guy, and without saying that the players do not like him, let's say he's very tough with them. He sees the potential in each player and that's why he pushes them to the maximum, "adds the American.
Growing up in the organization
Moreover, Erne is part of a large wave of young players drafted and developed in the Lightning organization. A vision that pushes the winger to believe that the Lightning wants to make a regular player in the NHL.
"They have proven in the past that they would rather develop than pick players by transaction.
"It's exciting to know that the Lightning wants to grow their own young people. In addition, it's great to evolve for a general manager like Steve Yzerman, a man so respected and a great player in history. He helped me a lot and I do not have enough good words to describe him. "
Posted from my blog with SteemPress : https://z22news.com/erne-wants-to-seize-his-chance/