What was it like, trying to adjust to life in Lewiston last year as a 16-year-old rookie from Val d’Or, Quebec?

I think the biggest part was to adjust to the speed and with the players, and my English. It was really hard to talk last year. I’m getting better now, with my billets speaking English, but it was hard at first. I could understand some words, but not everything. It was nice to come to Maine, to be able to learn English.

Your brother is older than you, and he plays in the league, too. Did that help you at all to know what to expect after being drafted into this league?

He told me, yeah, it’s different at 16 as a rookie. He did, he helped me, and he still helps me now on what to do, unless I play against him. But he is still helping me. We talk about the hockey a lot.

You’re one of the tallest players in the league, and certainly on this team. Has that size given you an advantage at all, or did it take some adjusting to play right after you grew to be this tall?

I think it helps a lot to be big and tall, but I still have to work a lot. Obviously it will help me, for the reach, or things like that. But I still have to work on my body strength, all those things. I didn’t really have any problems when I grew. I think it’s a good thing. It’s not a bad thing to be tall. It helps me, but I don;t think it hurts me that I got taller fast.

After just one year in the league, and now just 17, you’ve been given the responsibility and the honor of wearing a letter. What has that meant for you?

It’s a big role, and I’m really happy to have that role. I mean, we have a lot of good veterans on the team. The letter, it just shows you can talk to the referees and things like that. I think everyone could have a letter on this team. I think I just have to talk more now. Maybe I am not talking enough. But it’s probably because I’m working hard and in the room. We have a lot of good veterans. I was happy, but that doesn’t mean I have to stop doing my stuff. I still have to work hard and learn more, like I did last year.

How much do you consider that this is your NHL draft year, and does that add any pressure this year?

I don’t want to think about it, but obviously I am still thinking about it a little bit sometimes. I don’t think I’m playing better because of the draft and I’m not nervous because of it. I want to get drafted, but I have to stay focused. The team is really my first objective. Playing good hockey can help me, help the team and also help with the draft.