Was in Ottawa and caught the rookies working out at SensPlex. Here's a few thoughts on the guys I noticed on the ice.
Defence
Rundblad
- was the best player on the ice, and probably the only one that looked to be NHL ready. If he got beat while I was watching practice, I missed it.
Cowen
- battled hard on everything and looks improved. Should be that hard nosed tough D-man that every forward hates to play against. Doesn't look NHL ready yet, a year in the AHL is probably the best thing for his development.
Wiercioch
- will probably be in Ottawa eventually, but like Cowen looks like another year playing top pair minutes in the AHL would probably be best for his development.
Blood
- does not anticipate the play or react to it quickly enough to make the next step to the NHL. Will be a career AHL player if he can not improve upon that aspect of his game.
Forward
Silfverberg
- has talent, but still looks a year away. Going back to Sweden for one more year was probably the right decision for this kid to make. Should make a serious run at a roster spot in Ottawa the following year.
Caporusso
- skates well and seems to have decent vision. Will probably be back in the AHL this year, but will probably be one of the first call ups if Ottawa runs into injury trouble.
Zibanejad
- talented but doesn't look ready. I expect he will spend next year playing in Sweden. If he does not make the NHL the next year hopefully the fans in Bingo will get to watch him for a year. Longer term, could develop into the number two center Ottawa so badly needs.
Noesen
- not the best skater, but moves into the open ice very well once he is within 40 feet or so of the net. I expect he will end up back in junior next year.
Puempel
- didn't stand out much, will probably end up back in junior next year.
Prince
- didn't stand out much, will probably end up back in junior next year.
The rest of the forwards looked like long shots to ever see much playing time in the NHL.
The goalies were a bunch of college kids and I think they may have been brought in just to stop pucks for rookie camp.