It’s been quite a road for Washington Capitals prospect Joaquim Lemay, and he’s still only getting started.

The 2021 fourth-round pick is embarking on a new challenge this year, transferring to Northeastern after two years at the University of Nebraska Omaha. Lemay had received instruction from Paul Jerrard at Omaha, but Jerrard’s passing following a battle with cancer took a toll on the team and defensive group.

That factored into his decision, as well as the desire to be closer to family and continue to stand out as he looks to earn his NHL entry-level contract.

“It’s a mix of everything,” Lemay told The Hockey News of his decision to transfer. “New league, new team, new challenge.”

Still, Lemay has shown impressive growth over the last couple of seasons. The 6-foot-1, 185-pound blueliner is faster and stronger and was among the standouts at the team’s annual development camp as he showcased his skating and puck-moving ability.

When it comes to those improvements, though, he credits the work he’s put in off the ice.

“It’s mostly physical… the strength,” Lemay said.

He also mentioned the impact that Brooks Orpik has had in his development.

“He’s got a lot of knowledge… he has a different level of knowledge, and the fact that he’s played so much, he’s just been in every situation possible,” Lemay said. “When you have a question, he just knows exactly how to help you with it.”

Those attributes have also translated over to his game, as he’s become a trustworthy asset to have on the backend.

“The biggest improvement has been in my D zone, being reliable in any situation,” Lemay said.

As he enters his first year at Northeastern, Lemay said the goal is to continue to improve on a daily basis and show D.C. that he’s worth the investment.

“It’s all the skills that you can add to your game that’s going to transfer,” Lemay said.