Under the Microscope | NHL Prospect of March: Olivier Nadeau

 

The dream to play at hockey’s highest level starts in every community arena across the country.

For Olivier Nadeau, those dreams in the game began at the Simon-Nolet Arena, only minutes from his home in Lac-Etchemin, Quebec.

“One of the first memories I have is going on the ice at our local arena with my dad and skating around with my yellow stick,” recalls the Shawinigan Cataractes forward. “I remember falling down every two or three strides!”

Fueled by the challenge, Nadeau fell in love with the game almost instantly. From that point on, trips to the community arena took a whole new meaning to him and his family.

Every budding hockey star has a beginning, those early beginnings build the foundation for their journey in the game. Nadeau’s unwavering passion, resiliency and will to compete were all discovered early on in that cold neighbourhood rink.

Now, a decade and a half later, the fifth overall pick in the 2019 QMJHL Draft is closing in on his childhood dream of one day playing in the National Hockey League. His steady rise has made him one of the QMJHL’s top prospects to watch ahead of the NHL’s 2021 Entry Draft.

Shawinigan’s star centerman has blossomed into is one of the best two-way players in the league, but that still hasn’t alleviated the pressure and stress that come with being in his draft year. Despite all the attention thrown his way, the 6’2’’ 200-pound forward is trying to take all the high expectations in stride.

“Obviously, I try not to put too much pressure on myself and try not to think about the draft too much. I just try to play my game,” admits Nadeau. “Every time I step on the ice, I need to improve my game and take advantage of the opportunity we have to practice and play.”

Nadeau is driven to constantly improve every facet of his game, especially given the increased practice time that teams have been benefitting from in between each of the QMJHL’s protected environment events.

“I need to continue to work on my skating ability. It’s my first weakness so I need to keep improving that,” he says. “I need to become more explosive. I also try to practice my shot after every practice; I don’t have one of the best releases in the league, so I need to continue to improve it. I’ve worked hard on those aspects of my game this season and I think it’s paid off.”

The hard work has paid off and Nadeau’s reward is real. The 18-year-old enjoyed a solid rookie campaign last year in which he scored 15 goals and added eight assists in 58 games before the season ended due to the pandemic. But the highly touted centre is having a true breakout season this year, having already found the back of the net seven times to go along with a team-best 25 helpers in only 28 games.

Nadeau’s progression comes as no real surprise since his maturity, work ethic and hockey IQ are all at the highest level. He might not be the flashiest player on the ice, but you can always count on him playing the game the right way every time he laces them up.

“Olivier is a big strong kid who works hard shift to shift,” said one NHL scout of the centreman. “He has good offensive instincts. His skating and mobility need work, but he’s a smart player who can add to whoever he plays with.”

“Olivier is a big-bodied player who is strong on pucks,” added another NHL scout. “He has good puck patience, loves to take pucks to the net and can be a good net-front presence as well.”

Nadeau possesses the uncanny ability to read and react to plays in all three zones, which is a skill that will translate well to the next level. Over the years the Cataractes veteran has drawn several comparisons to Boston Bruins star centre Patrice Bergeron with his smart play.

“I’ve grown up watching Patrice play the game. He is one of my favorite players,” admits Nadeau. “He’s so responsible on the ice. I try to watch and learn how he plays, so I definitely model my game after his. I see myself becoming a 200-foot player at the next level, a very responsible two-way player, that can play on the power play and the penalty kill.”

While the forward remains focused on honing his skills to lead a powerful Cataractes squad to a championship for now, he can’t help to dream of what it would mean to him and his family for his name to get called at the upcoming NHL Draft. To put it simply: it would mean everything.

“Hearing my name on draft day would mean a lot. I’m very close with my family so I would be thinking of them in that moment”, smiles Nadeau. “I’d think about all the sacrifices that they have made for me. They have done everything for me since I started playing the game, so I think they’d be very proud of me getting drafted.”

“But being drafted would just be a step forward in achieving my goal to play in the NHL”, adds Nadeau with his infectious humility. “That’s been my dream ever since I was a young kid.”

Every hockey story starts with a place to play, an opportunity and a dream.

For the same three-year-old boy who stumbled across the Simon-Nolet Arena ice years ago, the dream of one day playing under the bright lights of the NHL has never been more within reach.