Brendan Lemieux is a 21-year-old who feels the need for speed — anything to accelerate his progress to the NHL.
In 2016-17, his debut as a pro, the results were mixed. He showed some good things (a gritty work ethic with a goal-scoring touch to accompany his well-known nasty streak), but a broken foot ruined his start and a major injury to his other foot (suffered on March 15, his birthday) served up an early end to his season.
In the off-season, the 6-1, 210-pound power forward wanted to redefine himself — to be lighter without sacrificing strength and more resilient to injury.