What’s next for Johnny Gaudreau?

Apr 10, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Boston College Eagles forward Johnny Gaudreau (13) scores a goal against Union Dutchmen goalie Colin Stevens (30) and defenseman Jeff Taylor (2) during the first period in the semifinals of the Frozen Four college ice hockey tournament at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Three months ago, Johnny Gaudreau and the Boston College Eagles were ousted from the Frozen Four by the eventual national champions, Union. Not too much later, Gaudreau won the Hobey Baker award, given to the best college hockey player of the year, and then went on to sign with the Calgary Flames, making his NHL debut on the last day of the season. In true “Johnny Hockey” fashion, Gaudreau scored the Flames only goal of the night, on his first NHL shot.

So the question is… what’s next for the Carneys Point, New Jersey native?

For now, Gaudreau will be training as hard as ever, in an effort to make the Flames NHL roster come this fall.

Gaudreau, at 5’8″, is a rather small forward, which could pose a challenge in the NHL. Gaudreau said that he’s spoken with some of the smaller forwards around the league, and has taken their advice on how to succeed.

"“I’ve talked to a lot of small guys in the NHL, and my agent has a few smaller guys in the NHL, like [Martin] St. Louis,” Gaudreau said. “I’ve got a lot of great advice. I’ve just got to make sure I follow in their footsteps and do what they’ve been doing.“They said you need to be strong in your legs, definitely work out your legs. And you don’t need to be too big in your upper body because you won’t be able to stickhandle that well. Just a lot of great pointers from a lot of great guys and I really appreciate it.“It’s just doing the little things right, keep working out, making sure I’m skating and getting stronger. Obviously I’m going to get stronger. I have to make sure I keep working out and working hard.”"

Johnny will continue to work towards the NHL, as it appears he can make an impact wherever he is. Come this fall, Gaudreau will head to either Calgary, or the newly located Adirondack Flames of the AHL to continue to improve.

We’ll just have to wait and see.