Remparts captain Théo Rochette has still not decided whether it is in Quebec or Lausanne that he will spend the next season. However, the disappointing end could encourage him to return one last season to Quebec to try to bring back a first President’s Cup in 47 years in the old capital.
• To read also: “All my doors are open” – Théo Rochette
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The Remparts proceeded to the end-of-season individual meetings on Friday and the players shook hands for one last time before returning home for the summer season. If last Wednesday night’s defeat in the final match remained bitter, several players spoke with optimism about next season which should, in theory, be another good vintage for the Red Devils.
But that’s in a perfect world, the one to which everyone returns, including NHL prospects like Zachary Bolduc and Nathan Gaucher, as well as Rochette.
The latter also sketched a smile when asked if the disappointment of a defeat in the semi-finals was one more argument for a return to Quebec as a 20-year-old player next year.
“Indeed,” he said. It is sure that the way it ends, it was hard for everyone. We did not expect that and neither did the supporters. It’s hard mentally and it makes you want to come back even stronger next year because we know we’re still going to have a good team. It makes you want to come back and try to win. »
MASTER OF HIS DESTINY
Rochette, who, it should be remembered, has a contract with Lausanne HC in the Swiss National League A for next year, will weigh the pros and cons of the options available to him over the coming weeks.
Several stakeholders will be involved in the decision: Patrick Roy and the Remparts, Rochette’s agent, Olivier Fortier, Lausanne HC and, perhaps, the NHL team that will draft him or have him sign a contract.
Despite everything, the center player assures that he will have the final word.
“At the end of the day, it will be my decision. […] Both paths are very good paths. The Swiss league is one of the best in Europe and it wouldn’t be a bad path for me, far from it. There are many examples of guys who went there and came back to North America. I also know that the junior can be a very good and profitable springboard for young players like me. These are two good options and we will discuss them. »
DISAPPOINTING END
As he has done all season, Rochette faced the music on Friday. His duo with Zachary Bolduc was not a shadow of himself in the playoffs, which certainly did not help the Remparts’ chances in the semifinals against Shawinigan.
“I had a shoulder injury but that didn’t stop me from playing. I am disappointed with my offensive performance. Defensively, we had big missions against the big lines, especially against Shawinigan and we did a good job. On the other hand, in attack, we would have liked to be more efficient, especially me and I am a little disappointed. However, I think I took a step forward during the season and in general, I am satisfied. »
Before leaving, Bolduc and Rochette have also discussed the possibility of meeting next year.
“Of course I would like him to come back, mentioned Bolduc. It is sure that to play with a guy like him, it is a chance. He is a guy with an incredible vision and who is filled with talent. He is a passer, a shooter, he can do everything on the ice. It would be fun for him to come back with us, but it’s up to him to see where he wants to put his career, “said Bolduc, who will join the St. Louis Blues school club, the Springfield Thunderbirds, to the Eastern Conference final in the American League, against the Laval Rocket.
