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Nicolas Deslauriers

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Nicolas Deslauriers
Deslauriers with the Buffalo Sabres in 2016
Born (1991-02-22) February 22, 1991 (age 33)
LaSalle, Quebec, Canada
Height 6 ft 1 in (185 cm)
Weight 215 lb (98 kg; 15 st 5 lb)
Position Left wing
Shoots Left
NHL team
Former teams		 Philadelphia Flyers
Buffalo Sabres
Montreal Canadiens
Anaheim Ducks
Minnesota Wild
NHL draft 84th overall, 2009
Los Angeles Kings
Playing career 2011–present

Nicolas Deslauriers (born February 22, 1991) is a Canadian professional ice hockey left winger for the Philadelphia Flyers of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was drafted in the third round, 84th overall, by the Los Angeles Kings at the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. His play has been described as a mix between an enforcer and a grinder.[1]

Early life

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Deslauriers was born on February 22, 1991, in LaSalle, Quebec,[2] to parents Penny and Stephane. His parents co-own a moving company in Quebec.[3] Growing up, Deslauriers played both baseball and ice hockey but, after qualifying for the midget Triple-A team Châteauguay Patriotes, he dropped baseball and focused solely on hockey.[4] As a child, his favourite player was Boston Bruins defenceman Bobby Orr because he was a defenceman.[5]

Playing career

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Amateur

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Deslauriers played major junior hockey in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) with the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies and the Gatineau Olympiques. At the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, he was drafted in the third round, 84th overall, by the Los Angeles Kings.[6] Following the draft, Deslauriers was tied for 12th amongst league defensemen with 45 points through 65 regular-season games.[7] He was traded to the Gatineau Olympiques prior to the 2010–11 QMJHL season in exchange for a second and third round draft pick.[8] During the 2011 QMJHL playoffs, Deslauriers led all QMJHL defensemen in post-season scoring with 20 points.[7]

Professional

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Los Angeles Kings

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Deslauriers during the Los Angeles 2012 Development Camp

On May 31, 2011, Los Angeles signed Deslauriers to a three-year, entry-level contract.[7] Deslauriers was subsequently reassigned to their American Hockey League (AHL) with the Manchester Monarchs.[9] He made his professional debut with the team during the 2011–12 season and finished with 14 points through 65 games.[2] Deslauriers began the following season with the Monarchs[10] before being recalled to the NHL level on May 9, 2013.[11] He played a few games with the Manchester Monarchs as a forward but was expected to return to his natural defensive position the following season. However, during the 2013 offseason, Jack Ferreira, special assistant to Kings GM, suggested that Deslauriers become a full time left wing. As such, he was asked to play the new position during training camp and recorded four goals during the pre-season.[12]

Buffalo Sabres

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On March 5, 2014, Deslauriers was traded to the Buffalo Sabres, along with Hudson Fasching, in exchange for defenceman Brayden McNabb, Jonathan Parker and two draft picks.[13] He had been originally sent down to the Rochester Americans but injuries to the Sabres lineup earned him a quick recall.[14] He subsequently made his NHL debut a few days later on March 7, 2014, in a 2–0 loss to the Florida Panthers.[15] In his second career NHL game, Deslauriers played 12:13 minutes of ice time and threw three hits. His play was praised by interim coach Ted Nolan who said: "You look at Deslauriers, for a young kid too, his second game in the National Hockey League, he competed out there. You can never go wrong when you have guys that love to compete."[16] He scored his first career NHL goal on April 4 with 6:40 remaining in the third period in a 3–2 loss to the Detroit Red Wings.[14] Deslauriers finished the season by scoring one goal through 17 of the Sabres' last 20 games. As such, he was re-signed to a two-year contract with the team on May 26, 2014.[17]

Deslauriers remained in Buffalo during the 2014 offseason where he lost nearly 20 pounds. During the pre-season, he skated alongside Sam Reinhart and was worked into a checking role with Cody McCormick and Patrick Kaleta.[18] Having formally played as a defenseman, the 2014–15 season became Deslauriers' first as a winger. When speaking on the change, he said he felt better playing on the wing but would change positions if needed.[19] He finished the season playing in all 82 games and tallying 15 points and 71 penalty minutes. He also finished ninth in the league with 261 hits. As a result of his play, Deslauriers was voted the teams' Rookie of the Year.[20]

On January 4, 2016, head coach Dan Bylsma announced that Deslauriers would miss three to six weeks while recovering from a lower body injury. At the time of the injury, Deslauriers had tallied three goals and seven points through 38 games.[21] After spending nearly a month recovering, Deslauriers returned to the Sabres lineup on February 3.[22] Upon returning, Deslauriers was placed on team's third line alongside Cal O'Reilly and Zemgus Girgensons.[23] Although he finished the season healthy, Deslauriers sustained a knee injury on October 30 that caused him to miss 19 games.[24] He was limited to only 42 games during the 2016–17 season and averaged a career-low 7:25 time on ice while recording no goals and two assists. During the offseason, he returned to his home province Quebec.[25]

After three full seasons in Buffalo, Deslauriers was assigned to their AHL affiliate, the Rochester Americans, before the 2017–18 season.[26]

Montreal Canadiens

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On October 4, 2017, the opening day of the NHL season, Deslauriers was traded by the Sabres to the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for Zach Redmond.[27] Upon joining the team, he was reassigned to the Laval Rocket where he tallied three goals and five points in 14 games.[28] On November 15, 2017, he was recalled to the NHL level and made his debut with the Canadiens in a game against the Arizona Coyotes.[29] He remained with the team through December where he led the team with four goals through 11 games. He also led all NHL players with 54 hits, and ranked first on the team and tied for seventh in the league in goal differentials. In honour of his improved playing skills in December, Deslauriers earned the Molson Cup honour at the end of December 2017.[30] Following this, he was promoted to play on the Canadiens' top line with Jonathan Drouin and Alex Galchenyuk.[31] After playing in 36 games with the Canadiens, Deslauriers signed a two-year, one-way contract extension worth $1.9 million.[32]

Upon finishing the previous season with numerous career-highs, Deslauriers rejoined the Canadiens for their 2018–19 campaign. During a preseason matchup against the New Jersey Devils on September 17, 2018, Deslauriers suffered a facial fracture and was placed on the injured reserve.[33] He returned to the lineup for Montreal's game against the Ottawa Senators on October 20, 2018.[34] On November 8, 2018, Deslauriers scored his first points of the 2018–19 season. Against his former team, the Buffalo Sabres, he assisted a goal by Matthew Peca and scored a shorthanded goal of his own.[35] Deslauriers was unable to replicate his previous season offensive totals, contributing with just two goals and five points through 48 games.[2]

Anaheim Ducks

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On June 30, 2019, Deslauriers was traded by the Canadiens to the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for a 2020 fourth-round draft pick.[36] Upon joining the team for the 2019–20 season, Deslauriers tallied seven points and 80 penalty minutes through 45 games by February. As such, he signed a two-year contract to remain with the Anaheim Ducks organization.[37] Following the contract signing, Deslauriers set the record for fastest hat trick in Ducks history after scoring all three goals in the first period. His third goal came at 11:49 in the first period of a 5–2 win over the Ottawa Senators.[38]

Minnesota Wild

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On March 19, 2022, just days before the trade deadline, Deslauriers was traded to the Minnesota Wild for a third round pick in 2023.[39]

Philadelphia Flyers

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As a free agent from the Wild, Deslauriers was signed to a four-year, $7 million contract with the Philadelphia Flyers on July 13, 2022.[40]

Personal life

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Deslauriers and his wife Joanie have four children together.[41] He has a tattoo on the left arm of the saying "The future will be whatever you make it."[4] Off the ice, Deslauriers owns the XPN Centre in Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville, Quebec.[42]

Career statistics

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Regular season Playoffs
Season Team League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM
2006–07 Châteauguay Patriotes QMAAA 43 2 10 12 28 3 1 0 1 4
2007–08 Rouyn-Noranda Huskies QMJHL 42 2 7 9 38 4 0 0 0 0
2008–09 Rouyn-Noranda Huskies QMJHL 68 11 19 30 80 6 2 2 4 8
2009–10 Rouyn-Noranda Huskies QMJHL 65 9 36 45 72 11 2 6 8 2
2010–11 Gatineau Olympiques QMJHL 48 13 30 43 53 24 5 15 20 19
2011–12 Manchester Monarchs AHL 65 1 3 14 67 4 0 0 0 7
2012–13 Manchester Monarchs AHL 63 4 19 23 80 4 2 2 4 2
2013–14 Manchester Monarchs AHL 60 18 21 39 76 — — — — —
2013–14 Buffalo Sabres NHL 17 1 0 1 18 — — — — —
2013–14 Rochester Americans AHL 5 1 2 3 9 5 1 1 2 9
2014–15 Buffalo Sabres NHL 82 5 10 15 71 — — — — —
2015–16 Buffalo Sabres NHL 70 6 6 12 59 — — — — —
2016–17 Buffalo Sabres NHL 42 0 2 2 38 — — — — —
2017–18 Laval Rocket AHL 14 3 2 5 16 — — — — —
2017–18 Montreal Canadiens NHL 58 10 4 14 55 — — — — —
2018–19 Montreal Canadiens NHL 48 2 3 5 22 — — — — —
2019–20 Anaheim Ducks NHL 59 7 6 13 92 — — — — —
2020–21 Anaheim Ducks NHL 49 5 5 10 53 — — — — —
2021–22 Anaheim Ducks NHL 61 5 5 10 90 — — — — —
2021–22 Minnesota Wild NHL 20 3 0 3 23 5 0 0 0 0
2022–23 Philadelphia Flyers NHL 80 6 6 12 136 — — — — —
2023–24 Philadelphia Flyers NHL 60 1 3 4 89 — — — — —
NHL totals 646 51 50 101 746 5 0 0 0 0

References

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  1. ^ Wyshynski, Greg (April 22, 2021). "How hockey fights work during a pandemic: A conversation with one of the NHL's last enforcers". ESPN. Retrieved November 18, 2021.
  2. ^ a b c "Nicolas Deslauriers". Elite Prospects. Retrieved November 18, 2021.
  3. ^ Hoppe, Bill (March 5, 2016). "Fun-loving Nick Deslauriers popular with Sabres teammates". Buffalo Hockey Beat. Retrieved November 22, 2021.
  4. ^ a b Cowan, Stu (January 17, 2018). "Stu Cowan: Nicolas Deslauriers a feel-good story for the Canadiens". Montreal Gazette. Retrieved November 18, 2021.
  5. ^ Cowan, Stu (November 17, 2017). "Stu Cowan: Bobby Orr was idol of new Canadien Nicolas Deslauriers". Montreal Gazette. Retrieved November 18, 2021.
  6. ^ "Deslauriers rejoint les Kings de Los Angeles" (in French). Rouyn-Noranda Huskies. June 26, 2009. Retrieved November 22, 2021.
  7. ^ a b c "Kings Sign Prospect Nicolas Deslauriers To A Three-Year Entry Level Contract". National Hockey League. May 31, 2011. Retrieved November 18, 2021.
  8. ^ "MAINEiacs acquire all-star goaltender Olivier Roy". Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. June 4, 2010. Retrieved November 22, 2021.
  9. ^ "Kings Announce Player Transactions". National Hockey League. September 25, 2011. Retrieved November 18, 2021.
  10. ^ "Kings assign 15 Players to Manchester". National Hockey League. September 14, 2012. Retrieved November 18, 2021.
  11. ^ "Kings Announce Call-Ups". National Hockey League. May 9, 2013. Retrieved November 18, 2021.
  12. ^ Hoven, John (December 18, 2013). "Meet Larry the Left Wing, LA's Newest Hotshot Prospect". National Hockey League. Retrieved November 22, 2021.
  13. ^ Ryndak, Chris (March 5, 2014). "SABRES STAY BUSY ON DEADLINE DAY". National Hockey League. Retrieved November 18, 2021.
  14. ^ a b Ryndak, Chris (April 5, 2014). "RECAP: SABRES 2 - DETROIT 3". National Hockey League. Retrieved November 18, 2021.
  15. ^ "Luongo leads Panthers to 2-0 shutout of Sabres in 1st Florida start". Sports Illustrated. March 7, 2014. Retrieved November 18, 2021.
  16. ^ Ryndak, Chris (March 10, 2014). "RECAP: BLACKHAWKS 2 - SABRES 1". National Hockey League. Retrieved November 18, 2021.
  17. ^ "SABRES SIGN DESLAURIERS TO 2-YEAR DEAL". National Hockey League. May 26, 2014. Retrieved November 18, 2021.
  18. ^ Ryndak, Chris (September 27, 2014). "DESLAURIERS FITTING IN AFTER SUMMER IN BUFFALO". National Hockey League. Retrieved November 18, 2021.
  19. ^ Ryndak, Chris (March 9, 2015). "SABRES DEALING WITH THIN BLUE LINE". National Hockey League. Retrieved November 18, 2021.
  20. ^ Hirschbeck, Zac (April 11, 2015). "AWARDS CEREMONY HIGHLIGHTS 'FAN APPRECIATION NIGHT'". National Hockey League. Retrieved November 18, 2021.
  21. ^ "Buffalo Sabres forward Nicolas Deslauriers to miss 3-5 weeks with lower body injury". National Hockey League. January 4, 2016. Retrieved November 18, 2021.
  22. ^ LaBarber, Jourdan (February 3, 2016). "REINHART, DESLAURIERS SET TO RETURN AGAINST CANADIENS". National Hockey League. Retrieved November 18, 2021.
  23. ^ LaBarber, Jourdan (March 4, 2016). "DESLAURIERS HAPPY TO CONTRIBUTE ON OFFENSE". National Hockey League. Retrieved November 18, 2021.
  24. ^ LaBarber, Jourdan (December 8, 2016). "Gorges, Deslauriers return to practice". National Hockey League. Retrieved November 18, 2021.
  25. ^ LaBarber, Jourdan (September 27, 2017). "Deslauriers seeking to prove himself against Penguins". National Hockey League. Retrieved November 18, 2021.
  26. ^ Vogl, John (September 30, 2017). "Sabres trim roster by four, essentially set opening-night lineup". Buffalo News. Retrieved November 18, 2021.
  27. ^ "Canadiens acquire Nicolas Deslauriers". National Hockey League. October 4, 2017. Retrieved November 18, 2021.
  28. ^ "Canadiens call up Nicolas Deslauriers from Laval". National Hockey League. November 15, 2017. Retrieved November 18, 2021.
  29. ^ Cudzinowski, Matt (November 16, 2017). "Deslauriers out to impress in Habs debut against Arizona". National Hockey League. Retrieved November 18, 2021.
  30. ^ "Nicolas Deslauriers earns Molson Cup honour for December". National Hockey League. January 2, 2018. Retrieved November 18, 2021.
  31. ^ Cudzinowski, Matt (January 24, 2018). "Deslauriers: Pride personified". National Hockey League. Retrieved November 18, 2021.
  32. ^ "Canadiens sign winger Nicolas Deslauriers to two-year contract". Sportsnet. February 19, 2018. Retrieved November 18, 2021.
  33. ^ "Nicolas Deslauriers will be out indefinitely due to a facial fracture". National Hockey League. September 18, 2018. Retrieved November 18, 2021.
  34. ^ Engels, Eric (October 19, 2018). "Deslauriers in, Hudon out gives Canadiens' fourth line new dimension". Sportsnet. Retrieved November 18, 2021.
  35. ^ "Ristolainen goal in OT gives Sabres 6-5 win over Canadiens". Washington Post. Associated Press. Archived from the original on November 12, 2018. Retrieved November 11, 2018.
  36. ^ Cudzinowski, Matt (June 30, 2019). "Canadiens acquire fourth-round pick in exchange for Nicolas Deslauriers". National Hockey League. Retrieved November 18, 2021.
  37. ^ "Deslauriers signs two-year contract with Ducks". National Hockey League. February 15, 2020. Retrieved November 18, 2021.
  38. ^ Arritt, Dan (March 11, 2020). "Deslauriers' hat trick propels Ducks past Senators". National Hockey League. Retrieved November 18, 2021.
  39. ^ "Wild acquire Deslauriers from Ducks". TSN. March 19, 2022. Retrieved March 19, 2022.
  40. ^ "Flyers sign forward Nicolas Deslauriers to four-year contract". Philadelphia Flyers. July 13, 2022. Retrieved July 13, 2022.
  41. ^ Cudzinowski, Matt (March 8, 2019). "Deslauriers: 'She's the rock of our relationship'". National Hockey League. Retrieved November 18, 2021.
  42. ^ Perreault, Marc-André (November 14, 2020). "NICOLAS DESLAURIERS: MENTOR, POLICIER, PAPA". TVA Sports. Retrieved November 22, 2021.
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