The New Jersey Devils recently concluded their mini rookie tournament in Buffalo and they lost more than two hockey games.
Forward Reid Boucher suffered a concussion and there is no word on when he will be able to return.
Some thoughts on that and other Devils tidbits:
- I feel terrible for Boucher. He has played in 34 NHL games over the last two seasons but this is the first time he's coming into camp with a legitimate chance of making the team and establishing himself as a regular. The Devils are embracing a youth movement and there are plenty of spots up for grabs on the wings so there is/was a very good chance of Boucher making the team. He could still return before the season and earn a spot or get into some games whenever he returns but this setback certainly complicates things. Hopefully he is able to make a full recovery soon.
- With Boucher out of the picture - at least temporarily - there will be more opportunity for other guys to step up and claim a spot. One player in particular this could benefit is Joseph Blandisi. He played center with Barrie (OHL) last season but he can also play wing and is coming off a pretty good rookie tournament where he scored two goals in two games. I'm sure he'll be given a good look in camp.
- The NHL has announced that a plethora of preseason games will play a five minute 3-on-3 overtime period regardless of the score at the end of regulation.
The Devils will play in three such games:
@ New York (Islanders) on September 23rd vs New York (Rangers) on September 26th @ Philadelphia on September 30th
One player I really want to see in that situation is Damon Severson. Combine his skill with high-end skating ability and I think he could be a very dangerous player with all that open ice.
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