When Carter Meyer was drafted by the Quebec Remparts with the 17th pick of the first round in the 2025 QMJHL Draft, he didn't think much of it.
The Winchester, Mass., native had just signed on with the U.S. National Team Development Program for the 2025-26 season. Players didn't typically bolt from the NTDP.
Things changed throughout the season.
"As the year went on, you see all these guys going up [to the CHL] and even at the end of the year, everyone's trying to get up there and go to the CHL," Meyer said on the New England Hockey Journal podcast. "Once the season ended, talking with my family and my agent and seeing what was best for me and what it's going to take for me to hit my highest potential, Quebec was for me."
He requested his release from the NTDP on May 29, and it was granted Tuesday. Come Wednesday, he officially signed on with Quebec for this season.
"It feels awesome," he said.
Meyer turned in a strong first year at the NTDP. He posted 18 goals and 45 points in 41 games for the U17 team, before getting the call-up to the U18 squad, where he notched 25 points in 29 games.
"Moving away at 16 and having to almost live on your own and moving away from your family and you're at the rink every day. I think that helped me grow as a person so much," Meyer said. "Having to be more mature and almost like you're kind of on your own — especially playing juniors. My dad's not coaching me anymore. No one's in your back corner — you're on your own. You have to find a way to do it on your own."
The 17U year at the NTDP is notoriously difficult. A group of the best 17-year-olds from around the country have to come together on one team and face older, stronger players in the USHL.
READ MORE: 17 uncommitted standouts from USA Hockey's Select 17 Camp
"It's super hard to adjust to," Meyer said. "But I think as the year went on, adjusting and getting more comfortable, it definitely helped me play better."
It's an odd spot to be in for Meyer. He grew up dreaming of playing for the NTDP, but times have changed and, for him, Quebec was too good to pass up.
"Growing up as an American, you want to go to the national team," Meyer said. "That's kind of where my focus was all year, just being where my feet are."
More and more New Englanders are opting for the QMJHL. It helped Meyer that many of his former prep teammates and foes have gone north of the border and have good things to say about it.
It certainly helps that his brother, Freddy, played for Quebec last season, and will again this winter.
"Just seeing how my brother liked it and the city and everything about it," Meyer said of Quebec. "It's where you want to be."
But as he goes to play with his brother again, he's leaving two of his best friends in forwards Finn Sears (Medford, Mass.) and Sam Pandolfo (Winchester, Mass.). It's been almost 10 years since the trio weren't on a team together.
"I haven't even processed that yert but not being with them is going to be hard," Meyer said. "But at one point, we're all going to be separated. Finn's going to BC, [Sam and I] are going to BU, but obviously it was so hard to not be with them and continue our journey together. I still think you never know where we all end up one day. We could be playing together again."
This is a big year for Meyer. The 6-foot center is an early favorite to be a lottery pick in next June's NHL Draft. There were already going to be plenty of eyes on him this season.
Now, the lights will be even brighter. Quebec, leaving the NTDP and seeing how he progresses. There will be added scrutiny.
READ MORE: What Carter Meyer leaving the NTDP says about hockey in the United States
"Once we get up and the year goes on and having those big matchups and the organization relying on you to come through, that's definitely what I love," Meyer said. "I want them to want me to do everything I can and trust me in those situations and be able to come through. That's what I want.
"I think I play better in the spotlight and when it's a big game. That's another reason why [Quebec] was the place. You're playing in front of 12,000 fans. You've gotta bring it. If you're not playing well, you're gonna hear it. It's pro hockey essentially."
