Brendan Lemieux.
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NHL Prospects

Lemieux fitting in with coach Quinn on Broadway: “I like a lot about his game”

Brendan Lemieux is fitting in on Broadway.

Lemieux, one of the newest members of the New York Rangers, is adjusting well to life in the Big Apple after a swap at the NHL Trade Deadline uprooted him from the Winnipeg Jets.

“It’s been good,” said Lemieux, who accompanied a first round pick in the 2019 NHL Draft and a conditional fourth-round pick in the 2022 draft to the Rangers in exchange for forward Kevin Hayes.

“I think Winnipeg was two totally different situations.

“I was a real depth player in Winnipeg, and in New York I feel like I’m relied upon a little bit more and I think that’s going to continue to grow as I get better acclimated to playing more minutes at the NHL level.

“I think it’s just two completely different situations.”

In most facets.

The Jets are among the Western Conference’s elite clubs, and have the inside track on locking down a Central Division title. The Rangers, near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings, sold off assets prior to the Feb. 25 deadline in an effort to jumpstart a rebuild.

Lemieux, with Winnipeg, had 11 points (nine goals, two assists) in 44 games while averaging 7:25 of ice time.

Lemieux, with New York, has five points (two goals, three assists) in 12 games while averaging 12:06 of ice time.

A change in geography has been accompanied by a change in roles.

Among other differences.

“I like a lot about his game,” said Rangers coach David Quinn.

“One of the things we’ve talked about a lot is his conditioning has continued to improve. It’s something that was an issue just because he didn’t play a lot. It wasn’t anybody’s fault. He was a guy that didn’t play a lot of minutes in Winnipeg. They were a very deep team. He was one of the young guys that didn’t get a lot of minutes and probably rightfully so. He’s in a different situation here.

“One of the things I love about him is shift in and shift out you’re getting his all. When he comes back to the bench, his face is red because he’s giving an effort. That’s how you get in better shape, especially in this league this time of year. There’s not a lot of practice time and one of the things he does is gives it his all shift in and shift out.

“I love his tenacity. He’s got pretty good skills. I think that gets underappreciated from him. He’s got 12 goals in a short period of ice time.

“There’s an awful lot to like about him.”

Lemieux’s production is one. His passion is another.

“It’s funny,” teammate Ryan Strome said.

“Every game he seems to be yelling at the other bench or they’re yelling at him. You need guys like that involved in the game. They’re active. They’re looking to stir it up a little bit. It’s nice to see him do it.

“You bring in a guy that wants to prove himself, first and foremost, but I think a guy that has an element that our team doesn’t have. He has that grit and that sandpaper a little bit.

“He tries to piss everyone off out there. He’s a guy you want on your team, obviously. He’s had a good start here. Credit to him. He’s worked hard and capitalized on his opportunities. It’s never easy coming to a new team. I can attest to that.

“He’s done a good job of just coming in and playing his game. He’s been getting rewarded so far.”

An aggressive, in-your-face approach from Lemieux.

An opportunity to play more regularly, with one of hockey’s most storied franchises, for Lemieux.

A fit for both.

“We have a much younger group here and we’re looking to build something for the future,” said Lemieux, who was originally selected in the second round (No. 31) of the 2014 draft.

“In Winnipeg it was more of a ‘right now’ situation. You want to win. You’re competitive. It’s unfortunate to not have the ability to maybe do that this year, but I’m looking forward to being part of something really special in New York.

“It’s hard to compete with New York as an organization.

“The Rangers, I mean, it doesn’t get much better than this. I’m blessed and happy to be here.

“I feel like my game is kind of getting better every day.”

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