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The wee winger wound up with nine points in 11 dates in the playoffs — the ultimate proving ground for all newbies.

“An exciting time,” said Kris Russell. “I think the fans saw what’s coming up. I thought there was huge growth in young players.”

Because, of course, Gaudreau wasn’t the lone kid on the premises.

For instance, there was battering-ram winger Micheal Ferland.

When asked what he took away from this season, the 23-year-old didn’t hesitate.

“I know I don’t want to play in the American league, having a taste of this,” said Ferland. “I’ll have a good summer and get prepared for next year and give myself the best opportunity I can get.”

Sam Bennett, meanwhile, was still proudly wearing his playoff beard. (“I kind of like it.”)

And still smiling.

“I couldn’t have dreamt this in a million years,” said Bennett, 18. “The amount of success this team had this year — and to be a part of it — was an amazing experience. It’s been a lot of fun. I got to accomplish my dream. I got to do what I’ve always wanted to do since I can remember.

“It’s been a crazy year, from the (shoulder) injury to not knowing if I’d get a chance to play anywhere this year. To be able jump in and play in the Stanley Cup playoffs — it’s amazing for me. I don’t think I’ve even had time to soak it all in yet.”

While Sean Monahan is no rookie, he is only 20 years old — and the Flames’ centreman to play the most minutes, to take the most faceoffs, to face the toughest competition.

“Obviously, it was a big step from last year,” said Monahan, sporting stitches in two spots on his lower lip, Sunday’s souvenir from Ryan Kesler. “Right now, I feel confident. Playing those 19 to 22 minutes a game gives you that confidence in your game, with the puck, too. That was a big step for me.