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    Tony Ferrari
    Tony Ferrari
    Jul 14, 2023, 23:09

    Most NHL development camps took place in early July. Tony Ferrari and THN's Team Site contributors list the takeaways for each team.

    Most NHL development camps took place in early July. Tony Ferrari and THN's Team Site contributors list the takeaways for each team.

    Chris Pedota, NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK - One Takeaway From Each NHL Team's Development Camp

    NHL development camp is where teams decide how they will work with their prospects over the summer and heading into next season. From on-ice drills to team-building activities to dryland training, NHL clubs often set the foundation for their prospects next calendar year with these camps.

    With The Hockey News expanding our coverage to all 32 NHL teams, we reached out to our team of writers for their takes on the most interesting or important story at each of their respective development camps that took place in early July. Be sure to check each team site out for their excellent coverage of everything from your favorite team by clicking on the team names below.

    Let’s visit the NHL to check out each team’s development camp.

    Anaheim Ducks

    The obvious attraction at Ducks camp was the second overall selection, Leo Carlsson. He received rave reviews throughout the development camp, which culminated in signing his entry-level contract. Carlsson was a popular player among fans at post-game autograph sessions, and he was the first player fellow prospect and future reporter extraordinaire Nathan Gaucher went to for an interview.

    The plan for Carlsson next season is still up in the air, but everyone from San Diego Gulls coach Matt McIlvane to Ducks GM Pat Verbeek has been intrigued and excited by Carlsson as a person and a player.

    Arizona Coyotes

    The Coyotes' third overall pick in 2022, top prospect Logan Cooley, is back in town and made clear he is indeed committed to playing in Arizona.

    “I’m definitely a little more amped up, and I’m excited to be here. I want to be NHL-ready, and I want to come in here and be an impactful player.” said Cooley.

    While Cooley is expected to return to the University of Minnesota next season, he has been enjoying his time in Arizona for development camp and is excited about his future as a member of the Coyotes. Cooley had the chance to throw out the first pitch at an Arizona Diamondbacks game during his time in town as well.

    Boston Bruins

    The Bruins may need reinforcements this season, particularly up front, and one of the players at development camp that can help with that is Fabian Lysell. He was showcasing his speed and skill throughout camp, even though he started camp in a non-contact jersey as a precautionary measure.

    “I think he’s continuing to take the steps forward,” Boston Bruins assistant GM Jamie Langenbrunner mentioned at development camp. “Unfortunately for him, he took a cheap shot (in the playoffs) that slowed him a little bit this summer, but it’s good to see him on the ice again.”

    Fabian Lysell isn’t going to be expected to come in and take a job away from a player in the top six, but playing NHL games and being a contributor to the middle six isn’t out of the question for the 21st overall pick in 2021.

    Buffalo Sabres

    With many of the team's top prospects, including Matt Savoie, Jiri Kulich, and Isak Rosen, not attending because of a long AHL playoff run, Zach Benson was the highlight of the Sabres’ development camp. The 13th overall pick of last month's draft didn’t disappoint.

    Benson was the biggest name at camp, and he seemed to be well-received by everyone from teammates to the referees in the scrimmages, making jokes and having casual conversation with everyone between play. His quickness and skill showed up during almost every drill, and he was dominant in the scrimmages. Benson could be closer to the NHL than some expected.

    Calgary Flames

    Of the 38 players in attendance, Matt Coronato definitely was above the pack and most likely to be skating with the Flames this season. Sure, Coronato is the 2021 first-round draft choice, but don’t forget he’s only 20 years old, and plenty of attendees are more experienced.

    After playing in the season finale, Coronato obviously wanted to make a good impression to begin building his case to make Calgary’s season-opening roster and delivered by showing strong intensity in every drill. To top it off, he will stay in the city for another couple of weeks to work with the staff instead of racing home to New York. - Randy Sportak

    Carolina Hurricanes

    Development camp is almost entirely off-ice focused these days with fitness training, informational sessions, and things of that nature because the main goal is to help the prospects take at least something with them from camp to continue to better themselves.

    “I think over the years, how we do this has changed," said Hurricanes coach Rod Brind'Amour. "Because really, what are they getting out of it? They’re here for four days. So you try to give them a sense of what this level is about. So a little bit of testing and just things that are going to help you when you leave. What are you taking away when you go back to wherever you’re playing to get a little bit better and understand that if and when you do get here, what’s expected." - Ryan Henkel

    Chicago Blackhawks

    Big Czech forward Marcel Marcel, the Blackhawks’ fifth-round pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, outdazzled other Chicago players when it comes to pure storytelling on Saturday (July 8).

    The 6-foot-4, 242-pound 19-year-old from Plzen, Czechia, was selected 131st overall but didn't expect to go that high. So during the fifth round Thursday, he made a run to the loo and nearly missed his name being called in Nashville.

    "I was thinking more about the sixth round," Marcel told reporters. "I had just gone on the toilet. I had just come from the toilet, checked the time, sat down."

    "My billet mom, she was checking on the phone, she was like, 'You were drafted.' I was sitting, I'm like "What are you talking about?' "

    Seconds later, Marcel saw his name on the draft TV broadcast. His phone went crazy, and so did his billet family. - Matt Carlson

    Colorado Avalanche

    Brian Willsie, the Colorado Avalanche’s director of player development, said the camp was a lot of teaching and a chance for the staff to see the players in person.

    “Obviously, getting Jared (Bednar) on the ice with them, they get a glimpse of what an NHL practice is,” Willsie said. “Everybody’s development path is different. Some start a little bit later. You’re not really at your physical, their peak until 24, I find, 24 to 29,”

    Willsie said the players get individual plans for what needs to be worked on, which include strength and conditioning as well as injury prevention. - Colleen Flynn

    Columbus Blue Jackets

    By far the biggest highlight for Blue Jackets development camp was the arrival of Adam Fantilli. He had a very strong camp and finished it off by scoring four goals in the Stinger Cup, the end-of-camp prospects game. He obviously has skills on the ice, but off the ice, coaches and fans raved about him as well. He was seen getting his teammates together for a pre-game pep talk. After the practice sessions, he was out there picking up pucks.

    "I think he has really good character traits of being a leader," said Ohio State women’s hockey coach Nadine Muzerall, who was a guest coach during the camp. Fans surrounded him asking for autographs after the practice sessions. And he seemed extremely happy to be there. He’s taking Columbus by storm. - Jason Newland

    Dallas Stars

    The Dallas Stars development camp meant it was once again time for the team to look at top prospects Logan Stankoven and Mavrik Bourque. Both forwards have shone in development camp.

    With Bourque already having a year of AHL experience under his belt, his performance at camp has fans and media wondering if he could be ready to take the next step. His 47 points in 70 AHL games showed that he could play with pros, a feat that Stankoven will be looking to match this upcoming season after completing a stellar junior career last season.

    Detroit Red Wings

    At development camp in Detroit, Carter Mazur looked like the player most ready for the leap from development camp to the NHL. Whether in the 3-on-3 tournament or drills, Mazur was a force of nature. Whenever the puck came to his blade, the game slowed to whatever tempo Mazur chose. He showed a thunderous shot, he dominated the walls all camp long, and his knack for puck protection put him at another level from all of his peers. Put it all together, and you can see that Mazur has a nice collection of habits that will serve him at the NHL level already under his belt.

    "I'm more of a hard worker, I would say, and when I stick to that, then my skill comes out,” Mazur said. In an interview dripping with charisma, he extolled the virtues of his mom’s cooking and the way chirping “makes hockey fun.” - Sam Stockton

    Edmonton Oilers

    Fan favorite Tyler Tullio is looking to showcase even more skill coming into his second pro season with the Condors. In his first season, he posted 26 points in 63 games. Tullio has showcased to the Oilers organization that he wants to get better and prove he can play as a top player on the roster. Throughout last season, he did just that.

    One of the most appreciable stories is surrounding Carter Savoie. He is looking to rebound after a year of injuries in his first professional season with the Edmonton organization. 

    "Yeah, obviously, there were ups and downs last season. I had a couple of injuries there and didn't play as many games as I would've liked to," But it's a good learning step for me,” Savoie said in an interview with the Oilers. - Clare McManus

    Florida Panthers

    Geordie Kinnear, coach of AHL affiliate in Charlotte who runs D-camp, worked the kids on skating and strength. He spoke about it on Monday while explaining his plan for the week.

    In addition to the hockey-related activities, the prospects also had some fun while doing some team-building.

    They've had a group dinner and spent some time at the beach, and Tuesday night, they attended the Blink 182 concert at FLA Live Arena. They'll also attended a group cooking class. It's all part of the well-rounded experience the Panthers are providing for the prospects.

    Los Angeles Kings

    The news around Los Angeles has been largely centered around acquiring Pierre-Luc Dubois, but the team’s development camp got underway with plenty to look forward to. Brandt Clarke was back in Kings colors as he looks to leave an imprint on the team in hopes of beginning the process of earning a role with the Kings in training camp.

    Clarke will need to work on his defensive game to be a full-time member of the squad after getting a cup of coffee last year. He’s made it known in interviews at development camp that it’s his goal to play in the NHL for the upcoming season, and the Kings’ staff has seemed to imply that it could be his spot to lose.

    Minnesota Wild

    It’s safe to say the Minnesota Wild have sold Riley Heidt of their organization since drafting him 64th overall inside Bridgestone Arena in Nashville.

    “You’re at the practice facility — and I feel like I’m in heaven around here,” Heidt told The Hockey News in a 1-on-1 interview inside Tria Rink after the second day of development camp. “It’s pretty crazy.”

    It’s not just the Wild’s training facility that has him excited, though. Heidt spoke high praise about the development team and staff, too. - Aaron Heckmann

    Montreal Canadiens

    Habs fans packed the Canadiens' practice facility on a weekday in July, excited to see the next generation of Montreal hopefuls. The most enthusiastic support was reserved for defenseman David Reinbacher, selected fifth overall in June.

    "It’s incredible," said Reinbacher. "(The fans) were cheering for all the guys. They made us feel really comfortable here."

    Reinbacher wasn't the only player grabbing the attention of the fans on Tuesday. His defense partner, Lane Hutson, drew 'oooos' from the fans as he used his skill and mobility to set up Reinbacher for multiple scoring chances.

    "I had three chances (to score)," Reinbacher said. "Lane did everything to score for me, but (the puck) didn't want to go in. I will probably change some sticks!" - Rick Stephens

    Nashville Predators

    Being a team's first pick in the draft might make some players feel extra pressure, but Matthew Wood is embracing this week's opportunity. When asked about that potential pressure, Wood shared his thoughts.

    "It's obviously a long process, and Nashville is going to get a lot of time to watch me play," Wood said. "They're not going to base it all off the first practice."

    He also trusts in his own process that has gotten him this far.

    "I feel like if anyone's prepared to do stuff like this, it's me. I believe in my training and what I've done to get to this point." - Ann Kimmel

    New Jersey Devils

    After the second group finished their on-ice session, the players grabbed lunch before departing for Newark Beth Israel Medical Center. They were scheduled to visit patients and employees and do various activities with staff, pediatric, and adult patients.

    Training camp participants were split into four groups to visit the Pediatric Health Center, Wellness Center, Adult patient area, and the A5/C5 pediatric inpatient playroom area.

    Devils' host and team reporter Catherine Bogart was reporting on-site and spoke to Chase Stillman about what doing a community event like this means.

    "It's what we're here for," Stillman said to Bogart. "At the end of the day, we play the game for the fans, and we wouldn't be a sport without the entertainment side of it. Fans really do mean everything to us, so anytime we can give back, it's really the best thing we can do." - Kristy Flannery

    New York Islanders

    The Isles like doing things their own way. They will be holding a version of development camp a week before training camp. Lou Lamoriello is going to do what Lou Lamoriello wants to do, whether it’s conventional or not.

    New York Rangers

    Putting on an Original Six jersey is always a special feeling, but considering the fact that Gabriel Perreault comes from a hockey family, the Blueshirts sweater was even all the more surreal. Perreault's father, Yanic, played 14 seasons in the NHL for multiple organizations, including the Toronto Maple Leafs, Los Angeles Kings, Montreal Canadiens, Nashville Predators and the Chicago Blackhawks.

    I had the chance to chat with the family as I saw them strolling on Broadway Street once the draft had concluded. Gabriel was still rocking his red, white, and blue jersey, so he was easy to spot. I could sense the excitement on Gabriel's face, and he told me that he couldn't have been happier to not only go to an Original Six franchise but to specifically be picked by the New York Rangers. Of course, I had to tell him that he is going to have a ton of good restaurants to try. - Jonny Lazarus

    Ottawa Senators

    Defenseman Tyler Kleven was easily the biggest standout at the Ottawa Senators' development camp, and not just because he’s 6-foot-5. Kleven won the coveted Jonathan Pitre Memorial Trophy for the camp’s hardest worker. And if they actually had a camp MVP award, he’d have won that too. While Kleven’s highlight reel is mainly filled with thundering hits, the former North Dakota star showcased a nice, fluid skating stride for a man his size and consistently made calm, smart decisions with the puck.

    Off the ice, incoming Senator owner Michael Andlauer’s love of the game has come as advertised. Andlauer turned heads with a camp visit to watch the entire 3-on-3 tournament. - Steve Warne

    Philadelphia Flyers

    The Flyers may not have had Matvei Michkov at development camp as their top prospect remains in Russia for a few more years, but they had plenty of talent on display. With the future firmly the focus for the first time in a long time, the Flyers were ready to see which prospects would emerge at camp.

    With Bobby Brink, Oliver Bonk, Tyson Foerster and Emil Andrae at camp, the future was on display. Brink looked great after missing the start of last season recovering from a hip injury. Foerster had multiple number changes but looked great with whatever digits were on his back. Oliver Bonk looked poised in his first camp with the club as well.

    Pittsburgh Penguins

    It’s been obvious for a few years now the Pittsburgh Penguins don’t have much to speak of regarding their prospect pipeline. That doesn’t mean the Penguins aren’t excited about what they have, however, and there were some impressive standouts at the 2023 development camp. After having his development derailed in 2022-23, thanks to a couple of concussions, goalie prospect Joel Blomqvist looks ready to take a huge step forward.

    Blomqvist looked calm yet confident in his net and was a big reason why his team won the camp’s 3-on-3 tournament. A vote of confidence came from Kyle Dubas, who mentioned Blomqvist by name as someone who has room to grow in the system and should be a feature in the AHL. According to Blomqvist, his plan is to play with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins in 2023-24 for his first full season on North American ice. - Nick Horwat

    San Jose Sharks

    Quentin Musty celebrated his 18th birthday in style with a hat trick at the San Jose Sharks prospect scrimmage. The 26th overall pick dominated right from the start. During his first shift, he showed his physicality by hitting a player to take the puck away.

    "I'm doing all I can in these practices, the game, workouts, and just running around the city," Musty said after the game. "(Just going to the) rink and the hotel to kind of show them that I could be an NHL player one day."

    Recent fourth overall pick Will Smith slashed Musty in a not-so-fun area, which allowed Musty to score his second of the game on a penalty shot. - Max Miller

    Seattle Kraken

    The "developing" at the Seattle Kraken's recent development camp took place behind the benches and on the ice.

    Lennie Childs, an assistant coach at Union College in Schenectady, N.Y., was behind the Blue bench at the prospect scrimmage on July 5 at KCI. Helping guide the White team was Katelyn Parker, a Kraken youth hockey player development coach.

    Kraken coach Dave Hakstol and staff were so welcoming, Childs said. 

    "I came in for a week, and thought I'd been here for two years," Childs added. He described what he came away with as "the most valuable stuff I've ever been through in my life."

    St. Louis Blues

    The Blues are in retool mode at the moment, and their development camp has been as exciting as ever, according to Tim Taylor, director of player development.

    “I don't think we've ever had, since I've been here, the talent that we have on the ice in these development camps," Taylor said. "The pace has been great, the coaching staff, with what they've done on the ice in skills, has been really good. It's just nice to see.”

    One of the players that has caught everyone’s attention is first-round pick Dalibor Dvorksy. He’s a man on a mission in St. Louis, trying to prove he’s ready for the next step, a sentiment he’s made clear. 

    “I'm here to make an impression and to just show myself to the people who believe in me," Dvorsky said. "I'm not here for just a hat and T-shirt. I just try to be myself out there always and just try to do my best always when I'm on the ice. I feel good here. It's a great environment, great people, also really like the practices. So far, I love it here.” - Lou Korac

    Tampa Bay Lightning

    The Lightning are in the middle of their longest off-season in the last four years, and development camp was a nice way to break up some of the slow summer days. They had all of their top prospects in attendance, including Isaac Howard, Ethan Gauthier and Jayson Shaugabay. One of the invitees was among the more interesting players at camp, Tyler Duke, the brother of prospect Dylan Duke.

    Tyler is undrafted but has put up some impressive metrics in his junior and college hockey career. By all reports, he had a very good camp, and if he has a good season with his brother at the University of Michigan, he could find himself signing an entry-level deal down the road with an NHL club, possibly even the Lightning.

    Toronto Maple Leafs

    When Minten walked up to speak to the media at Maple Leafs development camp, something felt different.

    Minten, Toronto's second-round pick (38th overall) in the 2022 NHL draft, wasn't nervous or shy like he might've been last summer at his first development camp in Toronto.

    No, this time, you could feel the confidence radiating off of him.

    Coming off an impressive season with the WHL's Kamloops Blazers, where Minten put up 31 goals and 36 assists in 57 games, the 18-year-old is older but also a bit wiser.

    "I think a bit of everything," Minten said when asked about what he's improved on in the last year. "I don't think there's a specific area that's gotten a ton better. I think just progressively. I don't think I got a ton stronger, bigger." - Nick Barden

    Vancouver Canucks

    Having traded away 2020 and 2021 first-round picks as well as second-rounders in 2020, 2022 and 2023, development camp was a reminder of just how thin the Canucks prospect pool is for top-end talent. Headliners at this year’s event included 2022 first-round selection Jonathan Lekkerimaki and 2023 first-round pick Tom Willander. 

    Otherwise, the key players at camp were 2020 third-rounder Joni Jurmo and fellow defenseman (the other) Elias Pettersson, a third choice in 2022. Among the intriguing participants was 6-foot-6 Belarusian netminder Nikita Tolopilo signed as a free agent after a strong season with Sodertalje in the Swedish Allsvenskan. - Jeff Paterson

    Vegas Golden Knights

    With Stanley Cup celebrations likely to last all summer for the NHL players, the Vegas player development staff turned their eyes and minds to development camp. There, they got their first look at newly drafted prospects like David Edstrom, and it’s yet another chance to gauge where players like Brendan Brisson can help the lineup in the future.

    There was plenty of action, with players such as goaltender Isaiah Saville and forward Jackson Hallum standing out amongst the crowd. With the Golden Knights in a great spot roster-wise at the NHL level, anyone looking to crack the lineup will have to truly earn it, and that was a sentiment shared by coaches and staff throughout camp.

    Washington Capitals

    This past week marked the first time Ivan Miroshnichenko took the ice for the Capitals in North America, and this season will see him become further immersed in the playing style and culture overseas after leaving the KHL and signing his entry-level deal with Washington in June.

    But beyond the challenges of a new league and smaller ice, there's a taller task awaiting him: learning English.

    "It's been difficult not knowing the language," he said through an interpreter earlier in the week. "That's been the toughest part."

    Miroshnichenko knows some English, but he's still very much a beginner. He has a tutor off the ice, but he didn't have a full-time translator at camp as he tried to acclimate to the team's culture and systems. And ultimately, he believes that will help make learning easier: experience. - Sammi Sibler

    Winnipeg Jets

    As the page turns to a new era with the Jets, players like Rutger McGroarty, Brad Lambert and Colby Barlow are looking toward becoming the newest members of the Jets and ushering in the next generation. The Jets had some flashy plays in camp courtesy of their highly skilled forward pipeline, but the focus from the team was on the development of the human side of the team and getting to know the prospects.

    Winnipeg player development staff knows that laying the groundwork for a solid summer and exciting next season is integral, but a missed pass or bobbled puck isn’t going to make or break any player in July. They have been working with the players to develop relationships, friendships, and cohesion throughout the system.