The Florida Panthers concluded rookie camp on Wednesday and now we are just a day away from the opening of the main camp, which will feature 61 players this year.
Springfield Thunderbirds head coach Geordie Kinnear ran 25 of the team’s prospects and future pros through a series of rigorous drills and up-tempo workouts over the course of last two days.
Panthers head coach Joel Quenneville liked what he saw and had this to say:
“It’s good getting started here. The rookies have looked good. They had a good summer. The last couple days, seeing them out there on the ice, I thought the practices were good. They were teaching them some of the tendencies we want them to have this year. I think it probably helps them get a little more comfortable with the setting, with their equipment, with their peers, and push themselves in the right way knowing that they’re going to soon be playing against guys with experience and strength and speed and quickness. There’s another level when they go into it — be comfortable, be confident, trust your instincts when you’re out there against the big guys. A lot of guys look like they’re going to fit right in.”
For more information head over to floridapanthers,com and check out Jameson Oilve’s notebook.
Recent signings
The Columbus Blue Jackets signed restricted free agent defenseman Zach Werenski to a three-year deal worth $15 million. Werenski played in all 82 games last season and put up 44 points. (The Cannon)
Kevin Fiala signed a new two-year contract worth $6 million with the Minnesota Wild. Fiala was acquired from the Nashville Predators at the trade deadline. (Hockey Wilderness)
The New Jersey Devils signed forward Pavel Zacha to a three-year contract worth $6.75 million. The restricted free agent scored a career-high 13 goals in 2018-19. (All About The Jersey)
After being bought out in August, defenseman Michael Stone is back with the Calgary Flames. The UFA signed a one-year, one-way deal worth $700K. (Matchsticks and Gasoline)