Nicolas Deslauriers Autographed Card

It was Nicolas Deslauriers' dream to one day play in the NHL for the Montréal Canadiens, and he got to live it through parts of two seasons for 106 games. Unfortunately, he came to the organization at a time where being a local kid is frowned upon by management, and where a single mistake means getting scratched by head coach Claude Julien for anywhere from three to 22 games.

He's now suiting up for the surprising Anaheim Ducks, providing energy, hard checks, a veteran example to follow and rest for other fourth-line grinders by eating up a few minutes here and there every other game. The Habs got a fourth-round pick in 2020 in exchange for his services, and both teams are currently fighting for a playoff spot, Anaheim one game above .500 (7-6) while Montréal is one below (5-4-1-1, for five wins and six losses).

He knew his time was up with the Canadiens and is happy he got to remain in the NHL instead of being demoted to the AHL's Laval Rocket, where hometown players seem to end up under this regime.

He signed this card for me in blue sharpie at a charity golf tournament this summer:

It's #208 from Upper Deck's 2018-19 O-Pee-Chee set, showing him wearing the Habs' classic red (home) uniform.