Josh Nadeau continues to garner attention. Of course, his latest exploits got people talking, a hattrick in a rookie showcase game is a great accomplishment, but it’s just the beginning and another message to critics, but let’s face Nadeau has been proving people wrong at every step of the way.
After signing with Laval late in the season after a deciding to leave U of Maine, Nadeau is at the point of his career where many prognosticators and critics said he would never get to…the pro ranks.
Many scouts and those in the hockey world had Nadeau penciled in as “a great college player” or “if he makes it to the pros, he will be in Europe,” because of his size. Josh Nadeau is more than just a power play point specialist, more than just an effective and efficient point getter, he’s a complete player trying to make his mark and gain traction at the pro level. Lately, Josh Nadeau’s exploits have taken a back seat to his younger brother Bradly who is challenging for a regular NHL roster spot for the defending Stanley Cup Champions. The younger Nadeau would have no doubt been an NHL regular by now if he was with any other organization. It’s been a numbers game in Carolina the former 1st rounder, but things are promising on that front heading into this season. As for Josh, he to is entering an organization that’s deep up front and are known for their dynamic diminutive scoring forwards, but what’s going to set him apart from the others?
For more information on Bradly Nadeau click here…. No Room For Nadeau? – The Quick Shift
First and foremost, Nadeau needs to be given an opportunity and to prove his value. Obviously, when Nadeau signed, Laval had their set roster and opportunities were limited and there’s still a very fine line for Nadeau to earn a spot on the AHL roster, but that all comes back to opportunity. Nadeau needs to prove that he can play, compete and handle the physicality, but also contribute. Ironically, he has proven that at every stop along the way and it hasn’t taken him too long to figure that out. Perhaps Josh Nadeau’s superpower is his ability to adapt and find his niche, which historically hasn’t taken him too long at all.
Every player has a ceiling or arrives at the level where they can’t surpass or begin to plateau, Josh Nadeau hasn’t reached that level yet, and the high scoring diminutive winger is only just starting to show his “chameleon” like prowess.
“He’s too small.”
“He’s too slow.”
“He’s not physical enough.”
“He won’t be able to adjust or adapt.”
“He won’t be able to generate points.”
Josh Nadeau continues to surpass expectations, but people shouldn’t be surprised by anything that this kid does, if anything we should be accustomed to it.
All some players need is an opportunity and if Josh Nadeau gets a fair shake, we could be seeing the “Nadeau Show” hit rinks all over the American Hockey League.
The Quick Shift 