The Flyers' Matvei Michkov and Penguins' Rutger McGroarty highlight young NHL players to watch in training camps across the Metropolitan Division.

NHL training camps are one of the most interesting times of the year as players and prospects get back to training as a team and teams look to see what they have heading into the season. Young players have gotten bigger, faster, and stronger while some of the aging veterans have to rely on their savvyness a bit more.

The Metropolitan Division is full of young players with important camps ahead of them. Let’s take a look at some of the most intriguing young players and the storylines that come with them as they head into training camp.

Carolina Hurricanes: Pyotr Kochetkov, G

It’s time. The Hurricanes have been touting Kochetkov as the goaltender of the future for quite some time now and this has to be the season that he takes hold of the starter job and doesn’t let it go. Now 25, he barely even constitutes as a young player so even including him on this list is a bit of stretch but goalies develop a bit later so he gets some grace in that regard.

Kochetkov has played in NHL games in each of the last three seasons and has looked quite good in stretches. He was often the team’s best goalie throughout last season, playing more games than anyone else in the crease because of injuries and underwhelming play. Unfortunately for Kochetkov, when push came to shove and the playoffs rolled around, it was Frederik Andersen in net. This year, for Kochetkov and the Canes’ sake, hopefully, things are different.

Columbus Blue Jackets: Kent Johnson, LW/C

After an exciting and entertaining rookie season two years ago, last year couldn’t have been more challenging for Johnson. It started with some underwhelming play in the NHL before being sent down to the AHL where he was clearly head and shoulders above the competition on most nights. When he returned to the NHL, he still struggled to get things going and then he tore his labrum, ending his season in February.

His recovery timeline should allow him to be ready for training camp and with a new coach and new management team, Johnson has a chance for a fresh start. The skill has never been a question. Johnson is one of the most purely skilled players in the NHL. He’s scored some beautiful lacrosse goals, dangled the pants off defenders and looked miraculous at times. He needs to recapture that magic in training camp and get back to the form he had for most of his rookie season.

Philadelphia Flyers: Matvei Michkov, RW

There aren’t many storylines in the NHL more tantalizing than Russian star right winger Matvei Michkov joining the Philadelphia Flyers a year early. He’s been a focus in rookie camp, looking effortlessly dangerous in every clip posted online. Michkov fell to the Flyers at seventh overall largely because of the concerns over his contract status in Russia but with that sorted out well before his original deal was even set to expire, Philly fans are loving life.

Michkov doesn’t come without questions, though. Can he keep up defensively at the NHL level? How will his high-octane, offensively focused style of play mesh with head coach John Tortorella? Will his lethal KHL goal-scoring ability translate to the NHL? All of those will start to be answered in training camp, and it’s going to be fun to watch.

Pittsburgh Penguins: Rutger McGroarty, RW

When his season at the University of Michigan ended last season, some questioned why he wasn’t joining the Winnipeg Jets for their playoff run. Shortly after, we found out that McGroarty had requested a trade from the Jets and wanted to go to a market where he felt there was more opportunity. After the wait, he got his trade and wound up in Pittsburgh, where he will get to learn under the tutelage of Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, among others, while playing an effective role in the lineup.

McGroarty could be the perfect fit alongside Crosby with his anticipatory offensive game, blend of skill, power and high IQ. Where McGroarty gets his chance early in the season will be interesting as he looks to make his mark in the NHL. Training camp will go a long way in showing whether his mobility and pace will keep up at the NHL level.

New Jersey Devils: Simon Nemec, D

Last season, Luke Hughes made the Devils roster out of camp, and then Simon Nemec joined the squad part way through the year. The duo played bigger roles than the Devils expected because of their solid play and the injuries and inconsistencies of those around them. Heading into training camp this year, Hughes is sidelined with an injury that could leave him sidelined until November. Nemec was also injured earlier this summer while playing for Slovakia, but the prognosis seemed positive at the time.

Nemec is a skilled puck-mover who has taken big steps defensively. With Hughes out, he should get some power-play opportunities, even if Dougie Hamilton is back to take over some of the duties. There should be plenty of room for Nemec to make his mark and establish himself as a top-four presence even when Hughes returns.

New York Islanders: Samuel Bolduc, D

In each of the last two seasons, Bolduc has seen extended NHL action. This year, with a bit of a thinner blueline, Bolduc could realistically win a job in camp. He has provided some solid minutes in his NHL time, but he’s not much of an offensive difference-maker.

With Mike Reilly pencilled in as the third left-shot defender, Bolduc could come into camp and showcase his game to supplant the veteran. The Islanders don’t have much in the way of young talent coming to the team this year, but Bolduc could be one of the few who could crack the lineup and help them get back into the playoffs.

New York Rangers: Kaapo Kakko, RW

Last year, Alexis Lafreniere took a big step and became an important player in the Rangers' top six. Although he is a year older, it’s time for Kakko to do the same. 

His defensive game has been solid since his sophomore season, and his ability along the boards is as good as that of anyone on the Rangers. He just needs to find a way to be a bit more of an efficient finisher.

Kakko has found his niche as a very good two-way middle-six winger, but he still has so much potential to be more than that. The possibility of a Mark Stone-lite type of player is still very much there. Heading into the season at 23 years old, it’s time for Kakko to find the next level.

Washington Capitals: Ivan Miroshnichenko, LW

The story of the young Russian is well-documented. Miroshnichenko recovered from cancer after being drafted in 2022. He made his way over to North America last season and looked quite solid at the AHL level, helping the Hershey Bears to the championship. 

After getting into 21 games last year during the regular season, Miroshnichenko is poised to push for a spot in the NHL lineup in training camp.

Miroshnichenko is a gifted shooter who can score from all over the offensive zone. His board play is also impressive. He consistently wins battles and gets in on the forecheck to recover the puck. Miroshnichenko could be a difference-maker for the Caps this year as they look to stay relevant in the playoff race. He could also help the team’s main focus, which is getting Alexander Ovechkin to the all-time goals record. 

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