Maveric Lamoureux isn't taking anything for granted.

The 18-year-old, who signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Arizona Coyotes on Wednesday, has not skated since before the club selected him 29th overall at the NHL Draft last month. He was in attendance at rookie development camp, but could only participate in the off-the-ice team building activities with his fellow prospects.

For everything that's gone right in the defenseman's life over the past few months, Lamoureux lamented that being on the other side of the glass has been nothing short of torture, especially when the club held its annual black and white scrimmage at the end of camp.

He wants to be out there playing, plain and simple.

"It's not fun," he said of sitting out. "That was a long game to watch. I hate it, but I'm going to be back soon, so that's what I'm focusing on."

The Hawkesbury, Ontario native has spent time both at home and in Arizona since rookie development camp concluded, but was back in The Valley this week to sign his ELC . Lamoureux said even though his injury rehab has required patience throughout its progression, getting back to the gym has been a step in the right direction.

Believe it or not, the towering 6-foot-7 defenseman has been working on putting on mass and filling out his frame further as he simultaneously focuses on restoring the mobility he had prior to his injury.

"I'm getting back in shape," Lamoureux said. "I started doing more upper body strength, getting more into it too. It's going slow, but it's a process, and I'm getting there."

Arizona general manager Bill Armstrong traded up on draft day to acquire Lamoureux, moving up three spots in the first round to do it. Though Armstrong said at the time he would likely be a bit of a "project" for the organization, the towering defenseman fits the mold for the type of players who have been brought into the desert recently.

Lamoureux is a strong, physical player who is known to possess smart decision-making skills and good vision on the ice. He posted 24 points, including 20 assists, in 54 games with the QMJHL's Drummondville Voltigeurs in the 2021-22 season.

Signing the three-year ELC was another step on his way to eventually joining the NHL.

"We are very pleased to sign Maveric to an entry-level contract," Armstrong said in a release. "He is a big, strong, physical defenseman who is a very good skater and has a good shot. We look forward to watching his development this season."

Prior to development camp, Armstrong addressed the prospects who were in attendance to ensure they knew the hard work was just beginning. His words resonated with Lamoureux, who said he understands that while signing his ELC is exciting, there's a long road ahead in the path to the NHL.

Though he couldn't actively participate on the ice at development camp, he still took a lot away from the experience. The talent level really caught his attention, and reinforced what Armstrong had said to the group. 

Throughout it all, Lamoureux has remained humble in assessing how much work is ahead of him as he pursues a career in the NHL. 

Daunting? Perhaps. But he's facing the challenge head on.

"The guys are so much better than Junior," Lamoureux said. "It's definitely another level. I have to work for that, that's for sure, but it's not intimidating. It's something I like, and I believe I'll be at that level soon, too."

Lamoureux said he expects himself to be a top defenseman in the QMJHL this season, and plans on doing that by bulking up and getting stronger -- a scary thought for the opposition, considering the first-round pick is already as physical as they come.

For now, though, he is focused on getting back onto the ice so he can continue to pursue his ultimate dream of playing in the NHL. Given that he much prefers the dry Arizona heat to the rain and humidity back home, he's got no shortage of motivation to do just that.

"It was my dream getting drafted, and I did," Lamoureux said. "I'm going to be an impact player in Juniors and be one of the best defensemen in my league. Getting bigger and getting stronger are my main goals for the season."

arizonacoyotes.com is the official Web site of the Arizona Coyotes. Arizona Coyotes is a trademark of IceArizona Hockey Co LLC. NHL, the NHL Shield, the word mark and image of the Stanley Cup and NHL Conference logos are registered trademarks of the National Hockey League. All NHL logos and marks and NHL team logos and marks as well as all other proprietary materials depicted herein are the property of the NHL and the respective NHL teams and may not be reproduced without the prior written consent of NHL Enterprises, L.P. Copyright © 1999-2020 Arizona Coyotes, LLC and the National Hockey League. All Rights Reserved.