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The Penguins finding middle of the draft talent in recent years isn’t a surprise to anyone. From players like Bryan Rust to Jake Guentzel, finding NHL talent that can produce is key for a team that spends to the cap and also has a history of not picking in the 1st round of the draft.
Last night, in Nathan Legare’s debut, he showed a high offensive side of the game that could mean very good things to come for the Penguins.
Two goals in 23 seconds for the Penguins prospect kicked off his professional career in quite the way.
Between Carlsson's legs...
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) September 20, 2019
Between Vehvilainen's legs...
And right in the net!@Nathan_Legare is lookin' good out there! pic.twitter.com/PB1MjqqLBV
Some really nice hands from Legare to dangle the puck between the defenders legs and get a nice shot on goal.
Legare scoring goals vs. CBJ, part two. pic.twitter.com/WdaltnVvFr
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) September 20, 2019
It’s refreshing to see the talent being drafted showing high offensive talent and output early on in their development stages.
I’m also not saying Sam Poulin isn’t good. Legare, to me, is more NHL ready. Poulin is going to be a beast. No doubt. But I think his development path is longer.
— Jesse Marshall (@jmarshfof) September 20, 2019
Also, I’m a specific mark for players like Legare. I just like his style and profile. I love a sniper.
And now the Pens have taken care of a formality but they’ve officially announced Legare has signed his entry level contract with the team.
It's official! Welcome to the Penguins family!
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) September 20, 2019
The Penguins have signed forward @Nathan_Legare to a three-year, entry-level contract.
Details: https://t.co/SyAT1uPHDa pic.twitter.com/5n9Q2gf4rb
I wouldn’t expect anything soon of Legare in terms of making the NHL roster, as he is only 18 years old, and it’s well documented how rare it is for players to make the league at that age. I’d expect the ELC to slide and Legare to be sent back to the QMJHL, but I suppose stranger things have happened.