An unofficial start to the preseason kicks off today at Anaheim Ice with the opening of Ducks rookie camp. 22 prospects will be on hand for the three day gathering. Camp will culminate with the Rookie Showcase where the “Ducklings… faceoff against Colorado on Sunday 9/18 and San Jose 9/19. Here is a preview of the roster.
Headliners
The biggest names in camp are Shea Theodore and Nick Ritchie, Anaheim's 2013 and 2014 first round picks respectively. Both men spent time on the main roster last year and will be expected to make significant contributions in 2016-17. Anything short of standout performances against less seasoned talent would be disappointing.
2016 first round selections Max Jones (#24) and Sam Steele (#30) will also be in attendance. The coaching staff and management will get a detailed look at how their prized draftees stack up against the organization's other top prospects.
Need to Make a Stand
As funny as it sounds for someone with limited pro experience, 2014 second round pick Brandon Montour has to make a good showing. If not, he could get passed up by other skilled defensemen in the system. Nick Sorenson needs a good camp to get back in the conversation of the organization's top prospects. Jaycob Menga has been on the fringe. Last season, he worked his way up from the ECHL to the AHL, but at this point he may be playing to get noticed by another organization.
Dark Horses
Two other players in camp are very intriguing. Goalie Kevin Boyle and left wing Kalle Kossila were signed as NCAA free agents last spring. Kossila made an immediate impact with the San Diego Gulls, scoring four points in six regular season games and two goals in seven playoff games. Boyle had a standout career at Umass-Lowell and could be John Gibson's backup in a few seasons.
Additionally, Julius Nattinen will look to make a name for himself in a very crowded group of centers.
Missing
Surprisingly 2015 first round pick Jacob Larsson won't be participating. It would have been nice to see him paired with either Theodore or Montour. The same could be said for 2014 second rounder Marcus Petterson. Another player who could have used sometime with top tier coaching is hard working Czech winger Ondej Case.
Today is the NHL's equivalent to pitchers and catchers report. For all intensive purposes Anaheim is pulling out of the driveway on the road to the Stanley Cup.
- Ed
If you are headed to rookie camp, please feel free to email me with your observations.