Training Camp

Training Camps are open in the NHL.  I've read that the Sens rookie prospects did well in a three team tournament over last weekend. Several players did well. So, most of those top guys will be invited to the main training camp. I kinda hoped/expected one guy to stand out above the rest. That would almost be better, but several of the forwards had good games. It is difficult to give several guys a shot, rather than testing one guy. I think there's room for one or two forwards to make the team and one defenseman. The defenseman is Brian Lee. He played well for a few games late last season and looked like he belonged. For him to not make the big club this year would be a disappointment.

 

The forwards are another story. There are several grinder-types, Winchester, Foligno, Bass; that got playing time last season and did well. But the Sens need a point producer for the top lines. There are a couple skilled Russians with an outside shot at it. I'm not holding my breath, but it would be great to discover a skill player that blossoms this year. I think that Winchester will get a chance at playing on one of the top lines. I hope he clicks.

 

The Sens have basically, two backup goalies. Well, Gerber is a second tier starter. He played very well for stretches last season. But the consistency just isn't there; and to be fair the team played horribly at times. I have to believe that his small size doesn't help. New to the team is Alex Auld, a journeyman.  At least he has a large frame. This is where Brian Elliott comes in. A bit of a draft gem, since they took a flier on him as the second to last draft pick in '03. He ended-up eventually taking Wisconsin to a NCAA championship. He's turning out to be a solid goaltender, played well in the AHL last year. I hope he impresses, but will probably only get a couple call-up during this season. Another year in the AHL would not be so bad. But should either goaltender falter, I say bring him up and see what he can do!