Veterans Ryan McDonagh and Tyson Barrie partner up, Austin Roest talks about his draft day experience, and Yaroslav Asakrov shakes off a tough scrimmage.
Veterans Ryan McDonagh and Tyson Barrie partner up, Austin Roest talks about his draft day experience, and Yaroslav Asakrov shakes off a tough scrimmage.
There is no weekend for the Nashville Predators once training camp begins, and the players gathered again at Ford Ice Center Bellevue to practice and scrimmage on this sunny Saturday in Middle Tennessee. The players were joined by a large crowd of fans who showed up to watch Groups B and C scrimmage.
Group B players today: Egor Afanasyev, Alexandre Carrier, Luke Evangelista, Dante Fabbro, Jordan Gross, Mark Jankowski, Joakim Kemell, Zachary L'Heureux, Kevin Lankinen, Jeremy Lauzon, Tommy Novak, Kiefer Sherwood, Spencer Stastney, Graham Sward, Fedor Svechkov, Phil Tomasino, and Joey Willis.
Group C players today: Anthony Angello, Tyson Barrie, Marc Del Gaizo, Austin Elliott, Cody Glass, Kevin Gravel, Troy Grosenick. Denis Gurianov, Jachym Kondelik, Kalan Lind, Griffin Luce, Jack Matier, Ryan McDonagh, Roland McKeown, Gustav Nyquist, Austin Roest, Reid Schaefer, Cole Smith, Kevin Wall, Jasper Weatherby, Dylan Wells.
The scrimmage today again showed off the up tempo style of play Andrew Brunette wants to see from the Predators this season. Everything in training camp, whether group practices or team scrimmages, has been described by players as "fast".
Reid Schaefer on the pace of today's scrimmage:
"It was good. As fast paced as expected, not a lot of room out there. A little bit of a track meet up and down the ice, but still lots of fun."
Jack Matier after the scrimmage today:
"I think it was good, a fast pace. A lot of skill out there. Obviously some really good players, so a little bit of an adjustment but I think our team played pretty good."
Austin Roest
The Predators' 2023 sixth round pick, Austin Roest wasn't in Nashville to hear his name called when the Predators took him with the #175 pick overall in June. Instead, he spent draft day with his mom, sister, and a couple of friends watching the draft on TV and waiting to hear how his hockey future might unfold.
"I got a little nervous as the rounds passed five, but in the sixth round, obviously a really good feeling to hear my name called," Roest said on Saturday.
When asked what fans can look forward to seeing from him on the ice, Roest said, "I think just my two way, fast paced game. I think that is the biggest thing for me is just playing fast, playing a solid defensive game and obviously contributing on offense as well, but playing defense first and then I know the offense will come if I do that."
Roest joins Nashville as the franchise undergoes massive changes, but it may be fortuitous timing for the 19-year-old forward. Brunette's new system fits well with Roest's natural style of play. Players with fast games could flourish in Nashville under Brunette, and Roest feels comfortable with the pace of training camp so far.
"I love it, especially the way Nashville wants to play this year," Roest said. "I think it's really fast. I think it suits my game really well."
Potential Defensive Pairing?
While Andrew Brunette is clear that he is early in the evaluation process as far as line combinations and defensive pairings go, it is of note that veteran defensemen Ryan McDonagh and Tyson Barrie spent a lot of time in practice working together. It is an intriguing duo that has a lot of potential with the more traditional stay at home play of McDonagh and the offensive upside of Barrie.
Hockey Players Are People Too
Have you ever had an off day at work? After today's scrimmage, Yaroslav Askarov felt like he didn't play as well as he'd hoped. When asked why, this was his honest response.
The Predators return to practice Sunday morning at 9:00 am at Ford Ice Center Bellevue for a final practice before the team heads to Sunrise, FL for Monday's double header against the Florida Panthers.
Troy Grosenick and the Yin and Yang of Goaltending Tandems
Andrew Brunette's Message to a New Predators Team: "It's a Clean Slate"
Predators Training Camp Notes & Quotes 9/21: Cody Glass, Ryan O'Reilly, and the Word of the Day