Zachary Lauzon looks to emulate Penguins young defensemen

CRANBERRY, Pa. -- Defenseman Zachary Lauzon's first week with the Pittsburgh Penguins was bittersweet.
After being selected in the second round (No. 51) in the 2017 NHL Draft, Lauzon joined his fellow Penguins prospects for development camp, which began June 28. He appreciated the experience and enjoyed his time at UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex, but Lauzon was also disappointed because a minor undisclosed injury kept him from participating in on-ice activities during the camp.

"For sure, I would be happy to go on the ice," Lauzon said. "It would have been fun, but the team just took the decision for me to just continue my rehab and get some rest for the week. … You just don't want to rush into anything and delay the time I'll be back on the ice. I think it's just better for me if I just continue my rehab here."
Lauzon, an 18-year-old from Val d'Or, Quebec, said he doesn't expect the injury to keep him from taking part in Pittsburgh's rookie tournament, usually held in mid-September.
He will continue to rehab his injury with the ultimate goal of expediting his track to the NHL. With that intention, Lauzon feels fortunate to have had the Penguins draft him.
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"It's kind of unreal, you know? … I'm just really excited to be here," Lauzon said. "That's why I'm here. Not going on the ice, but meeting everybody and meeting the organization. It's really amazing."
After scoring 21 points (three goals, 18 assists) with Rouyn-Noranda of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League last season, Lauzon (6-foot, 187 pounds) is looking to travel a similar path Penguins defensemen Olli Maatta and Brian Dumoulin took to the NHL.
Maatta was drafted No. 22 in 2012 before debuting on Oct. 3, 2013 as a 19-year-old, and Dumoulin was drafted in the second round (No. 51) in 2009 before playing his first NHL game on Dec. 14, 2013 at 22. Each has won the Stanley Cup twice since.

Lauzon is impressed with Pittsburgh's recent track record of quickly developing young talent into key contributors on championship teams.
"Since I arrived here, you feel important to the team," he said. "You're not just some new guy who arrived. People come and speak to you. They want to know more about you.
"For sure, with the history of the young players coming in and helping with a big team, it's motivating because they draft you for a reason and they believe in you."
Following the draft, Penguins general manager Jim Rutherford said he felt it was necessary to stock up on young defensemen who possess adequate mobility.
"The way the game's played today, it's important to have," Rutherford said. "Smart players can get away without it, but the more mobile you are, the easier it's going to be for them to make it [in the NHL]."
It appears that message has been relayed to Lauzon, who plans to improve his skating this summer.
"I think I'm a hard skater, but you have to be really mobile these days to play in the NHL," Lauzon said. "So, that's a thing I think I can improve every day. It's really important. Also, maybe more poise in the offensive zone. Search for a lane instead of just throwing the puck behind the net."