Frédérick Gaudreau had just met his family and friends, who were present in large numbers at the Bell Centre. He was preparing to jump on the bus with his Wild teammates to return to Minneapolis.
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But before leaving the building, Gaudreau took a few more minutes for an interview with Le Journal. At 28, the center is having his best season in the NHL.
After years of fighting for survival with the Nashville Predators or last year with the Pittsburgh Penguins,— Gaudreau has found his place in Minnesota. He is one of the key players of Dean Evason, his former coach with the Milwaukee Admirals in the American League.
“On the first day of camp, I felt like I was part of my family with the Wild,” he noted. It’s an amazing organization. [Elle] seeks to get players with character and good people. In this locker room, there are several good guys. I feel at home. I had an easy transition and quickly gained the trust of coaches and my teammates. Couldn’t ask for better. »
From 10 to 40 points
Prior to this season, Gaudreau had never scored more than 10 points in a season in the NHL. He got those 10 points during his short stint with the Penguins — tallying two goals and eight assists in 19 games.
A year later, he quadrupled his personal high. Number 89 has 40 points (13 goals, 27 assists) in 70 games with the Wild.
“Forty points is a good number,” he replied. I find it quite special. But that’s just a number. I want to stay the same player. I need to be an honest center in the NHL, I have to work hard and play well in my territory too. If the points come, so much the better. But I won’t lie, it’s nice to hit that plateau. »
At a salary of $ 1.2 million for the 2022-2023 season as well, he will represent one of the great bargains in the NHL.
A good trio
Gaudreau finds himself at the center of the Wild’s second line with Kevin Fiala and Matthew Boldy. He therefore has two offensive weapons at his side. Fiala scored his 30th goal of the season in this 2-0 win against CH.
“I’m happy for Fred,” said Fiala, who played with him in Nashville. For me, this is not a surprise. We knew he was a good defensive center, but he also has offensive skills. He’s been playing very well lately, he’s getting points and he deserves it. »
Boldy, a 21-year-old rookie, also had good words for Gaudreau.
“He’s awesome,” he replied. He’s a very smart center and he’s good with the puck. He also pays attention to me, he often gives me advice for my game in my own territory. Fred pays attention to the smallest details, but he also has talent offensively. »