Sens training camp opened today with medicals. The news of interest:
–The Ottawa Citizen‘s Ken Warren writes about the expectations for the team (link). Alfredsson said, “The expectations are not as high as we’ve had previously, but I think we’ve got a real good group of guys that can play to a real high level. And who knows how far that’s going to take us? I think we’ll be exciting to watch and come February or March, I hope we’re in position to make a push for the playoffs. But most importantly, we hope to see progress.” Paul MacLean said, “I don’t know who they are [people predicting Ottawa will finish last], but that doesn’t really matter, either. All I want to do is to get better every day. Do things right. Do it right every day.”
–The Ottawa Sun‘s Don Brennan talked to Daniel Alfredsson about his health (link), who said “I don’t think anybody’s going to camp 100%. But I feel good, and obviously excited to start off. Training has been going good so far. I’m happy where I am. As you get older, that’s going to be tougher and tougher, but we’ll assess the situation, how I feel, as we go along. Starting off, I expect to play a lot.”
-The Elmira Jackels announced three more signings (link): Dominic D’Amour (3-88 2002 Tor, CHL 59-11-12-23), Michael Devin (NCAA 34-6-10-16), and Jordan Lane (CHL 61-3-0-3)
–Red Line Report‘s latest 2012 draft preview is out. Here’s their top-thirty (with the position changes noted):
1. Nail Yakupov (Sarnia, OHL)
2. Nick Ebert (Windsor, OHL)
3. Ryan Murray (Everett, WHL)
4. Henrik Samuelsson (US NTDP, USHL) (+1)
5. Filip Forsberg (Leksand, Sweden) (+6)
6. Griffin Reinhart (Edmonton, WHL) (-2)
7. Alex Galchenyuk (Sarnia, OHL)
8. Zemgus Girgensons (Dubuque, USHL) (+1)
9. Mikhail Grigorenko (Quebec, QMJHL) (-3)
10. Olli Maatta (London, OHL) (-2)
11. Morgan Rielly (Moose Jaw, WHL) (-1)
12. Matt Dumba (Red Deer, WHL)
13. Sebastian Collberg (Frolunda, Sweden) (+2)
14. Jacob Trouba (US NTDP, USHL) (-1)
15. Martin Frk (Halifax, QMJHL) (-1)
16. Slater Koekkoek (Peterborough, OHL) (+2)
17. Jordan Schmaltz (Sioux City, USHL) (-1)
18. Derrick Pouliot (Portland, WHL) (-1)
19. Pontus Aberg (Djurgarden, Sweden)
20. Matia Marcantuoni (Kitchener, OHL)
21. Eric Locke (Barrie, OHL) (+1)
22. Calle Andersson (Malmo, Sweden) (+11)
23. Gianluca Curcuruto (Sault Ste. Marie, OHL) (-2)
24. Cody Ceci (Ottawa 67s, OHL) (+1)
25. Chandler Stephenson (Regina, WHL) (-2)
26. Brendan Gaunce (Belleville, OHL) (-2)
27. Teuvo Teravainen (Jokerit, Finland) (+1)
28. Troy Bourke (Prince George, WHL) (+3)
29. Damon Severson (Kelowna, WHL) (+3)
30. Jarrod Maidens (Owen Sound, OHL) (+7)
Falling out of the top-30: Scott Laughton (#31, -1), Ryan Olsen (#36, -9), Patrik Machac (#36, -7), and Luca Ciampini (#40, -13)
eyeonthesens 