Nadeau built on one of the more impressive AHL rookie campaigns in recent memory – 32 goals and 58 points in 64 games last year at a 0.91 points-per-game rate, fourth best by a sub-20-year-old in the AHL since 2009 – with more of the same. 25 goals and 51 points in 46 games with a plus-17, with two goals in eight NHL appearances thrown in for good measure. The production at every level has been there. Worth noting that his shooting percentage last year ran at 24 percent, which is unlikely to hold at the NHL level, but the underlying profile – more than two shots per game, a 2-to-1 primary to secondary assist ratio, strong power play production – suggests the production will remain respectable even as that rate normalizes. He profiles as a secondary scorer rather than a top-line driver, but he fits the Carolina mold and the path to a roster spot feels like a question of timing more than talent. One or two seasons away from a regular NHL role.

It is a very safe take to say that Bradly Nadeau’s transition to professional hockey was a smashing success. As an AHL rookie with the Chicago Wolves, the 19 year old put up one of the best campaigns in recent AHL memory. His 32 goals and 26 assists for 58 points in 64 games gave him a 0.91 points per game rate, and that sits fourth since 2009 by a player in the AHL under the age of 20. Just slightly ahead of the age-19 seasons by Martin Necas (.81), Shane Wright (.80) and Kevin Fiala (.76) and just behind the age 19 efforts by Mikko Rantanen (tops at 1.15), and JJ Peterka (.97). One season’s performance does not a career guarantee make, but Nadeau investors can feel pretty good about his intro to playing against men much bigger and older than him.

Nadeau was called up for a short, two game cup of coffee with Carolina, and he will certainly earn some more sips at the NHL level this season. However, it wouldn’t be a huge surprise to see him spend one more season in Chicago- unless he has an undeniable training camp and forces the Hurricanes’ hand with his NHL-ready, howitzer shot.

At the AHL level, he fired over two shots per game, had a 2:1 primary to secondary assist ratio, a 75% or higher IPP in all situations, and earned 22 powerplay points. Temper all of this praise with the fact that he scored at a 24% rate, and that shooting percentage is highly unlikely to stay that high at the NHL level. Bradly Nadeau should be on your shopping list this offseason, and if you have a team with a decent 2025 draft pick, you could dangle your shiny and new pick to see if you can pry a player with a lot more certainty and proximity at the pro level. It will be too late soon.

A largely disappointing World Juniors for Team Canada, Nadeau was one of the lone bright spots on the squad. With two goals in five games, he was the leading goalscorer, which is interesting, seeing as his role on the power play was not something he was used to. Nadeau’s two points in five games were tied for second in scoring on the team. He was sometimes called upon to kill penalties, which he saw mixed results. Since rejoining the Chicago Wolves, Nadeau has kept up his outstanding start with three goals and an assist for four points in seven games. He is one of only two U20 players in the AHL with at least ten goals and at least 20 points, alongside St. Louis Blues prospect Dalibor Dvorsky. Nadeau’s two-way game has seen a massive jump, being a consistent penalty killer for the Wolves and being able to be used in high-leverage situations, such as six on five. If Nadeau continues this positive development, it’s hard to see him not sticking around at the NHL level within the next calendar year.