The 18-year-old forward signed his three-year ELC with Carolina yesterday.
The Carolina Hurricanes signed 2023 first-round pick Bradly Nadeau to a three-year ELC on Sunday following his first year of college at the University of Maine.
Nadeau was in Raleigh today with the organization and although he didn't practice, he spoke with the media about his decision to sign. Here's what he had to say:
On the last few days: It's fun being here and getting started like this is always fun. Getting to meet the players in the organization is exciting. It's been a good start.
On if it was tough to leave his brother behind: A little bit, but at the end of the day, you want what's best for one another. It was my dream to be here and he wanted what was best for me and you have to move on.
On choosing the college hockey route: I think they play a hard style game in college hockey. So that was kind of what I wanted to do as a smaller player was get used to that. That year I was there really helped me with that.
On what was the biggest part of his development in college: Just getting stronger. The summer training and in the season as well which I think really benefitted me for the year I was there and now here I am.
On having another recent college signee in Scott Morrow here: I think it's always easier when there's someone there. I live with him so we've been talking a lot and hanging out together. So that makes it easier for sure.
On the differences he's seen at the NHL level already: Obviously it's a step above college. As you go up in hockey, it's another step, but I think everyone here is bigger and stronger so I think that will be another thing for me to do as well.
On the decision to turn pro after one year in college: Right after the season I think is kind of when it happened. They don't want to bother you too much while you play, but once it was over they reached out and that's kind of how it went after my year in Maine.
On what he wants to focus on now: Just getting used to it is going to be a big thing. Getting involved and seeing how it is as a a pro athlete and getting used to that routine is going to be really important for me.
