Jakob Pelletier would not have believed him if he had been told in September that he would be playing his first 24 National League games this year. And that his linemates would most of the time be Jonathan Huberdeau and Nazem Kadri.
Pelletier is the first to admit he “didn’t have a good training camp” in September. Cut early, he returned to the Calgary Wranglers of the American League, where the machine was slow to get going. The Quebecer was cleared in his first four games.
“It was a slow start, but I got back on my feet after a month and I think it tumbled a bit,” he said on Wednesday during a call with La Presse before training.
It tumbled, yes, to say the least. In his next 28 games, the 22-year-old scored 16 goals and added 20 assists. Still, he “not at all” expected to get the call from the Flames in early January. “It was a surprise,” he said. A great surprise.
Once in the Flames environment, his patience was tested. He accompanied the team on the road for 10 days without being called upon for his services. It was on January 21 that he finally played his first game in the National League, against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
After the game, head coach Darryl Sutter was asked what he thought of the 2019 first-round pick’s performance. “What number is that?” “, he had launched with his usual seriousness. Words that have not passed on to many people.
“I think he said that more for the media,” Pelletier said.
Very sensible words, because Pelletier finally played the next 21 games.
“I think the plan, in the beginning, was a bit that I play one and go back downstairs. […] Game after game, I worked hard to try to win back the position for the next game. »
Pelletier’s ice time with the Flames has varied from game to game. He increased when he found himself on a line alongside Kadri and Huberdeau. The young man has also forged a good bond with the latter.
“I remember the first day, I was still stressed. I spoke a bit [to Huberdeau] and, to be honest, he was really nice. The more it progressed, the more I fell in love with him. He’s really a good guy. »
In 24 games on the Bettman circuit, Pelletier recorded 3 goals and 4 assists. He was missed in 12 of the final 14 games of the season, however, as the Flames battled for a playoff berth. “As a player, you want to be on the ice, you want to help. That’s what was hard, but it’s experience, “he recalls.
The 5’9″ forward took time to savor the good times: his first game in Calgary, his first goal in Buffalo, his visit to Madison Square Garden – “It’s insane!” “, he launches. And he believes he has demonstrated that he has his place in the big league.
The Quebecer will also have to gain the confidence of the new general manager, Brad Treliving having been dismissed at the end of the campaign.
“He was the one who drafted me. He really is an amazing guy. I mean, he was a good general manager, but also a super fine guy. It sure does something to me. I don’t really know what will happen. »
At the end of the Flames’ season, Pelletier was returned to the Wranglers, who finished their season ranked first in the American League. He will try to help the team get their hands on the Calder Cup.
“We finished first, so I think the pressure is not just on one player. We have a very good team. My only goal is to win here. »
Once that’s done, Pelletier will have a whole summer to work on certain aspects of his game and make sure he has the best possible training camp in September.
“This is the most important summer of my life. This is my last year of contract. It’s a very big summer. I want to stay on top for the 82 games and the series. »
