Why Nathan Légaré Will Enter Devis Training Camp With New Mindset

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Nathan Légaré made his NHL debut at Madison Square Garden, arguably the most famous arena in the world, in the winter of 2024. 

Besides the game itself, a 5-1 New Jersey victory, he remembers playing against one of his best buddies, New York Rangers forward Alexis Lafrenière, and a piece of advice his New Jersey Devils teammate Justin Dowling shared before his rookie lap. 

"He told me to not step on the puck on the ice," Légaré said during a phone interview with The Hockey News. "It would have been funny if I did."

The 24-year-old appeared in three games with the Devils before returning to the Utica Comets of the American Hockey League, where he spent the majority of the 2024-25 season. While it was a brief NHL stint, it provided a boost for Légaré. 

"There is more confidence about my game now," he explained. "Especially, now that I have played a couple of games in the NHL. That is a check mark, but the next one is to stay in the NHL and be a full-time NHLer. That is the mindset right now." 

The Devils acquired the versatile forward on March 11, 2024, from the Montreal Canadiens. In his first full season with the Comets, he earned a single-season career high of 25 points. 

In the AHL, Légaré found himself throughout Utica's lineup from top line to fourth, playing both wing and center. In the NHL, he considers himself a bottom-six player who can provide energy and kill penalties. 

For his call-up, he knew what could separate him and make an impression on the coaching staff in New Jersey. 

"For me, it is my physical presence," he shared. "I think in my first NHL game, I had five or six hits. That is part of my game, and when I am physical, that is when I play my best hockey. 

"That was the big thing in Utica," he continued. "I was scoring goals at the end of the year, but I was also playing a physical game. I got in six fights, plus two in preseason. I think that is a good number for me. I am not looking for a fight, but when the situation is there, I think you…

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