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“But you also want to be there yourself and push yourself to get to his level. It’s definitely inspiring to see what he’s accomplished. Hopefully, I can emulate that soon.”

It must be pointed out that the pair are not cut from the same blue-line cloth, Nielsen four inches taller and versed more in stay-at-home tactics.

“At the end of the day you have to not compare yourself to somebody else. Travis and I are two different players. He’s going to be a guy who rushes the puck up and down the ice two or three times and make plays. I’m going to be a shutdown guy and still be mobile, so no one gets around me.”

Dermott also has lots of natural ability; Nielsen will have to work on one area in particular for his big break.

“My defensive game,” he sighed. “It’s been the same every year when I come in. I won’t say it’s my weakness, but it’s something I have to improve on. I want to show that I’ve made strides.

“I’ve gone to work in the summer to improve my lateral mobility and stuff that has held me back. I want to show the coaching staff that I’m ready for the opportunity. I feel once I get that opportunity, I’ll run with it.”

lhornby@postmedia.com