Nadeau is a playmaking power forward who combines an incredible upper body and core strength with crisp vision and decision making. The right winger can separate players from the puck with what seems to be little to no effort. This allows him to distribute crushing hits but most importantly, command the corners with an intimidating physical presence. Although his frame gives him an advantage from the get go, Nadeau showcases a dexterous, skillful stick to recover a great number of pucks in tight spaces and come out of traffic in control. The forward possesses outstanding puck protection abilities, as he shields the puck away from his opponent and surveys his passing options. This, in part, helps him come out of puck battles with the puck and as a playmaking threat. He is very active around the crease, sending quick passes to teammates in front or parking himself there as a screen. Nadeau’s workshop is right in front of the crease and he’s able to get open in that spot with ease. He’s able to cause chaos in the offensive zone, almost impossible to contain and crashing on everything that moves. He’s not only very effective at covering up the goaltender’s vision but he jumps on rebounds promptly, flashing extremely quick reflexes. These second-hand opportunities are what makes Nadeau so dangerous as a scoring threat. His relentless energy in puck battles drizzles into other parts of his game. He constantly puts the extra effort on the backcheck and he’s focus on his task in all three zones. He has clear restrictions as a skater though. His three-step acceleration is below average and his mobility needs work. His lack of speed doesn’t refrain him from getting involved in outbreaks and counterattacks though, as his anticipation and passing skills make him active in transition. He compensates with tremendous playmaking on zone exits and entries, as he’s poised to find the open man and deliver smooth outlets. Nadeau also flashes fluid decking abilities in rushes. He doesn’t possess the quickest or most elusive mitts, but he has some impressive creativity to get by his defender. He seems to lack some enthusiasm and quickness which limits his ability to battle opponents and challenge for loose pucks consistently. Nadeau also tends to lean toward offensive chances at the expense of sound defensive play.

– FCHockey’s 2021 NHL Draft Guide