TRENDING: I want to leave, Joining Red Wings was the worse decision in my Career…

Red Wings prospect Alexandre Doucet used to doing it the hard way.

Detroit Red Wings farmhand Alexandre Doucet recognizes that historically, slaters who start out their pro careers in the ECHL don’t often make the climb all the way to the NHL. Knowing this fact, he is remaining undeterred in his mission.

Defying the odds and doing things the hard way is becoming Doucet’s trademark in his hockey career.

After his 19-year-old season in junior, the undrafted Doucet wasn’t even receiving a single offer to be attending an NHL camp as a tryout invite.

“I had doubts, but I continued to work,” he admitted.

In his overage campaign, Doucet would score 58 goals and earn himself a free-agent pact from the Red Wings.

“I wondered … if I had a chance in the pros, but I always believed in myself,” Doucet said. “It was a motivation. Nothing has been done yet, but it is a step in the right direction.”

Solid Debut Season For Red Wings Prospect With Walleye

Spending the majority of his rookie pro season with the ECHL Toledo Walleye, Doucet was a steady contributor. The 22-year-old left-winger was ninth on the team in scoring with 19-22-41 totals. He would even earn himself a six-game recall to the AHL Grand Rapids Griffins.

“He’s got a great approach,” Walleye coach Pat Mikesch told the Toledo Blade. “He prepares like a pro daily. He’s very eager to learn.

“He’s done well with puck management and shift length management, all of those things that need to be sharp at this level.”

Doceet indicated that it was a call from Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman that would ultimately convince him to cast his lot with the Red Wings.

“I had also talked with other teams, but after talking with Steve, it became clear in my mind,” Doucet said. “He had already heard about me, and the purpose of his call was more to teach me about the team, its facilities and the organization.”

Doucet would sign his free agent deal with the Red Wings on March 1, 2023. Those who know him best aren’t at all worried by the fact he’ll be battling long odds to make his NHL dream come true.

“He had a different journey, but that doesn’t matter now,” said Sylvain Favreau. He was Doucet’s coach in the QMJHL with Halifax. “We often tell our players the important thing is not where you start,but where do you end up?”