The third-round draft choice is already showing flashes of potential, but he wants to take the next step in his development.
From the way he smoothly cuts across the ice and controls the puck, you'd be hard-pressed to say Tomas Lavoie plays like an 18-year old who just got drafted to the NHL.
The native of Repentigny, Quebec, already made a big improvement last year with Screaming Eagles in the QMJHL, improving his plus-minus from -39 to +4, a swing of 43 points, while also adding 21 assists.
But the Cape Breton defenceman, drafted with the 89th pick by the Utah Hockey Club Saturday, said there's still more he wants to work on -- specifically, his footwork and speed.
"At the next level, it's all about execution," Lavoie said. "The coaches have been great at helping me carry the puck in the correct formation."
Lavoie also has experience on his side; due to injuries, he was in a top-six defence role for most of the season with Cape Breton, which aided in his skating ability and puck control.
"I think it's become the best part of my game," he explained. "That experience allowed me learn to use my body and carry the puck confidently."
And now Lavoie wants to check off one more thing on his list -- improve his golf game.
As for who he thinks the best and worst golfers are on the squad? That's yet to be determined.
"I think my goal is to try to break 100," Lavoie said, laughing. "We haven't had a chance to play yet, even though we're right next to a golf course."