After three seasons with the QMJHL's Quebec Remparts, Nause is hoping to sign his entry-level contract
Evan Nause said it felt like yesterday when he was back in South Florida during his first Development Camp.
A lot has changed in a year.
The 20-year-old must feel like a seasoned veteran, surrounded by dozens of fellow prospects, but many in their first pro camp and without a contract yet.
Nause is hoping to change that in the not-too-distant future.
Selected by Florida in the second-round of the 2021 NHL Draft, the 6-foot-2 defenseman with an infectious smile has his eyes set on becoming a professional.
Nause has played the past three seasons with the Quebec Remparts of the QMJHL, helping the team to win the 2023 Memorial Cup.
His head coach in Quebec was Hall of Fame goaltender Patrick Roy, who has become known as a brilliant but fiery hockey coach during his time behind the bench.
“Honestly, it was unbelievable,” Nause said of playing for Roy. “He is tough on the players, but he's such a family oriented guy and he’d do anything for us. His passion motivated us throughout the whole run, and honestly motivated me throughout the whole my three years there, so I'm super blessed to have been able to play for him."
Looking forward, Nause is hoping that his time at development camp, and eventually, rookie camp and training camp, will help land him his first professional contract.
"That's probably always the goal," he said. "I would love to play pro next year and that's what I'm working towards here right now."
It should help that Nause was around the Panthers last year as well.
He said he plans to use the knowledge and experience he's gained to his advantage.
"I was lucky enough to come in early last year and be around guys like (Aaron) Ekblad and (Matthew) Tkachuk and (Carter) Verhaeghe, and getting to pick their brain every day was something special and just kind of seeing how a true professional operates, and I try to be that myself," he said.
Ultimately, the former 56th overall pick is looking to improve while keeping a level head.
He understands that while achieving his hockey dreams is something that may be within his grasp, there is still a path to be navigated.
"I don't think you're trying to put too much pressure on yourself," said Nause. "I'm just trying to be as professional as I can be and see if everything works out."