[sureLoss]

Summary:

very pleased with how things have gone, people are separating themselves

can honestly say that none of the messages to the guys sent down were scolding

all players are going down with the right message

expectations of Elson were low but he put himself on the map

nothing disappointing thus far, met expectations or exceeded them



trying to get veteran players ready, evaluation of vets is not as deep as young player

trying to give lion share of ice time to young guys

there are some players who are in serious contention for roster spots

season isn't over if you don't make opening day roster

veterans are pushing young group and young group is pushing veterans



message to young players is you need to be everydayers, it is great to come and have a good camp, but need to be everyday professionals

going to have some difficult decisions on narrowing roster to 23

no guarantee that roster will be at 23 but expects it to be at that number


no injury that he would consider long term right now

ideally training camp size would be thinner than it is now

Backlund is progressing

all of the [injury] stuff is soft tissue (e.g. groins) that isn't serious but could nag through out season

Smid is turning the corner and is now a conditioning issue


can't help but be impressed with Sam

his attitude around the game, you won't think it was his first preseason NHL game

thought he came through with flying colours in both games

has dealt with some bumps,

has a bump in the Vancouver game that they will get an update with tomorrow

still being evaluated. day to day evaluation

going to do what is best for Sam and the organization


Johnny has been okay

still feeling his way around

last night there was up and downs in his game

still learning what to do without the puck

getting lot of opportunities in offensive situations

can't help but be excited about his offence


we got some very good young players

ultimately these players are going to decide when they are going to be here full timers


really wants to see Colborne in the middle

he has been ok at center, still a work in progress

Bob has some thoughts on where Colborne should play, but have been encouraged by his play so far in the middle

whether he ends up there we will see, but a big body that can distribute the puck down the middle is nice



goal scoring is a concern

going to have to do it by committee

blueline is going to have to help, strength of team last year was offence from the Giordanos and Brodies



thinks they can get something off the waiver wire

identified players they could potentially get in July

scouts are watching the games right now

whether they are active remains to be seen

sometimes it is not just a big name, but a developing player that has been in the AHL for a while that a team is trying to sneak through waivers



getting close to decisions on try outs, picture becoming clearer



goaltending has been a strong suit in camp so far

can't help but be encouraged by Kari's performance so far

Jonas has been good, both are pushing eachother

no decision made on starter, there is competition


The end