Saturday, July 25, 2015

Daniel Audette Autographed Card

The Montréal Canadiens announed yesterday they'd signed their 2014 fifth-round pick (147th overall) Daniel Audette to a three-year entry-level deal after a fine showing at this month's rookie development camp.

The striking image of his father, Donald Audette - same face, both standing at 5'8'', Donald playing most of his career at 180 pounds and Daniel now hovering around 175 - the younger Audette is currently a center rather than a winger.

Playing in the LHJMQ (fresh off a 29-goal, 74-point season with the Sherbrooke Phoenix as alternate captain for the second year in a row), he can get away from staying in the periphery and using his terrific puck-handling and play-making skills in Juniors, but he'll have to adapt some part of his game if he's to succeed first in the AHL, and even more so at the NHL level. There is, after all, a reason why a point-per-game producer from a 30-goalscorer's bloodline was only drafted in the fifth round. He also has a bit of a temper, which leads to many penalties; he'll need to find a balance between earning respect and not losing patience any time someone challenges him or his lineage.

Maybe he'll find his inner Brendan Gallagher, or perhaps he'll be moved to the wing - or both. One thing's for sure, though, he is an exciting development project for the Habs. Team Canada certainly thinks he's good enough to excel so far, having named him to a U-18 and three U-17 teams, and he has 9 points in his last 17 games wearing either the maple leaf or the fleur de lys.

Speaking of which, Upper Deck featured him in their 2014 Team Canada Juniors/Women set, as can be attested by card #22, which he signed in blue sharpie:
Here's wishing him many more international games.

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