EAST RUTHERFORD | Nicolas Deslauriers is an endangered species in the NHL and he knows it.
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The LaSalle resident is a tough guy, but it would be too simplistic to call him just a tough guy. He is capable of playing hockey even though he knows his job is to show toughness.
But Deslauriers, who turns 33 next week, knows things are changing.
“It’s a different year for me. We have a young team, we really play and there are games that I miss. That’s the role I have and I’m happy to have it.”
end of an era
Deslauriers is not fooled, he knows that he is, in a sense, one of the last Mohicans in the tough player camp.
“It's not fun [de sauter des matchs], but we all know where the league is going. There will be less roughness and more talent. I'm still happy with my career and trying to get as far as possible.
“I know what my role is, and that’s what puts bread on the table.”
Despite everything, he finds happiness on a talented team that secures its spot in the playoffs.
“We are a well-rehearsed team, even though we are young, we are close and that makes traveling really fun.”