Lecavalier: 'I'm like a student here this week'

BROSSARD -- Four months into his tenure, Adam Nicholas continues to draw rave reviews.

The Canadiens' director of hockey development has been leading the on-ice sessions at development camp at the Bell Sports Complex, and growing his fanbase along the way.
One member of the Habs' brass who wholeheartedly appreciates Nicholas' unique practice drills and games is Vincent Lecavalier.
The special advisor to hockey operations spoke glowingly about Nicholas' methodology on Tuesday.
"It's totally different. It's still different than probably what 95 percent of the NHL is doing. Adam Nicholas is bringing another side to development, and I love it. I'm learning through him," said Lecavalier, who has been participating in the daily on and off-ice sessions with prospects on the South Shore. "I go to every meeting to try and learn what the kids are doing now, and basically what they're trying to work on is the brain."

Scrimmages haven't been on the menu so far under the former Toronto Maple Leafs' skills development consultant, which is different than in years past.
High-intensity exercises with clearly delineated boundaries and restrictions are the primary focus, and the common thread is the uptempo and relentless pace.
"I've never practiced like that, but I love it. You're always working your brain. Hockey is all about decision-making, quick decision-making, and by working that way, you become a better hockey player," mentioned Lecavalier. "It's ok to skate around some cones five or 10 times, but with the games he's using, you're becoming a better player."
Talk about high praise… The Tampa Bay Lightning, Philadelphia Flyers and Los Angeles Kings alum suited up for countless practices during his remarkable 17-year NHL career, so he obviously speaks from experience.

This has essentially become a development camp for him, too, as he picks up new tricks of the trade from the likes of Nicholas and his good buddy Martin St-Louis as well.
"Marty just thinks the game a little differently than anybody, so me going into the meetings with him, and the little details of the game that the players are getting, it's high-end. I know he doesn't have the experience of a coach of 20 years in the League, but his knowledge is probably the best I've seen," explained Lecavalier. "And the same thing with Adam. I've heard Kent talking about him for a long time, and I was like, 'What can he really know that I don't know?' Well, he knows a lot. I'm learning. I'm like a student here this week, and it's been a lot of fun."
Admittedly, the former Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy and King Clancy Memorial Trophy winner hasn't really laced up his skates in a competitive atmosphere recently, which is why he's relishing every second of his time on the South Shore.
It has been a genuine thrill.
"It's nice to be with the boys. I've only skated once in the last three years with friends. I go on the ice four or five days a week with my son as a coach, but being with the guys out there, actually after a drill, I couldn't wait for a goalie to stay in the net, so I could maybe get a breakaway," shared Lecavalier with a laugh. "It's been good to be around."

That includes sharing the ice with first-overall pick Juraj Slafkovsky.
The imposing Slovak quickly caught the eye of the one-time Stanley Cup champion, who was also the top selection back in 1998.
"I like him a lot. I met him for the first time on the morning of the Draft. He's a man. His work ethic, his hands, the way he moves on the ice, you see that he's different than guys coming from Junior," noted Lecavalier. "You see that he's a man when he moves. He's very powerful. I like his work ethic and everything he's done."
Development camp concludes on Wednesday.
Forwards (8:45 a.m.), defenseman (9:30 a.m.) and goaltenders (10:45 a.m.) will participate in on-ice sessions at their respective times, before a scrimmage at 11:30 a.m.