Mailbag #64: Summer Updates
Prospects to watch at training camp? Split-squad preseason games? Is another move coming?
RALEIGH, NC. -59 days until Opening Night, y'all.
It feels like the dog days of summer now as we all slog along together toward the October 11 date with the Ottawa Senators, but fear not, things will begin to ramp up soon.
As we've seen, a handful of players are already skating together on occasion and their group will only increase in size as we get closer to September. Information regarding a mid-September Prospect Showcase Tournament (not hosted by Carolina) should be released soon and boom, all of a sudden it will be time for Training Camp.
So before we get there, let's answer some questions that you were all kind enough to send in.
Who are some prospects that you are keeping your eye on the most heading into training camp next month? - @jarvydrury17
Vasily Ponomarev is the first one that comes to mind for me. We were only one more injury away from seeing his NHL debut come during the 2023 postseason.
Thinking back even further, he was impressive during last year's training camp. Given that the team already touted Sebastian Aho, Jesperi Kotkaniemi, Jordan Staal, Paul Stastny, Derek Stepan, and Jack Drury as options down the middle, it feels safe to say he wasn't initially projected to make the team, but boy did he build his case.
As we know now, he produced a strong 46 points in 64 games with Chicago (AHL) during his first full season in North America, but he is definitely someone that makes me wonder in terms of what is next for his career projection. Will he battle for an NHL spot right out of camp? Would he be better suited for another full season in the AHL? If so, what affiliate is going to welcome him and will they be able to prioritize the necessary ice time that continues his trajectory upward? It's a fascinating situation.
Jamieson Rees also stands out due to his similar situation. As we've seen now,
The #Canes have loaned three Finnish prospects to Liiga clubs for the 2023-24 season:
• Aleksi Heimosalmi - Assat
— Walt Ruff (@WaltRuff) July 17, 2023
• Tuukka Tieksola - Lukko
• Ville Koivunen - Karpat pic.twitter.com/EweRd66bU3
and that are not on the cusp of making the NHL club out of camp have found a spot back closer to home. Anttoni Honka and Noel Gunler are the only two from last year's Wolves roster that is still without a place to play for the 2023-24 campaign, however, Canes management could have spots for both of them already agreed to, it just may not be made public or executed until after training camp in Raleigh. But Rees is North American-born, so where does that put him? What about Justin Robidas?
(Before you ask, no, training camp information has not yet been released yet. Last year it was revealed on September 20 for a September 22 start date.)
Is it just me or is it very odd to have a split-squat match for the preseason? Are any other teams doing this? - @CaniacIntubator
It's more common than some people think. Including the Canes, there are 10 NHL teams playing split-squad games this preseason.
It's really not the worst thing in the world.
If I know Rod Brind'Amour, he likely prefers this over having to make two trips to Florida in two days for two preseason games.
Are the Canes going to have enough players to play two preseason games in one day given that the team won't have a plethora of two-way contracts? - @CaniacIntubator
Well, surely they will, or else it wouldn't be scheduled, right?
, the team currently has 40 players under contract, which gets them to the limit of having 18 skaters and two goalies at each game. Additionally, if I were a betting man, which I can't be until 2024 (yes, this is a North Carolina legalization of gambling joke), I think we'll also see a few Amateur Tryouts (ATOs) and Professional Tryouts (PTOs) coming as well, adding some beef to that number.
What are your thoughts on the September 29th split squad games? How do you think the team will handle staffing both with the necessary personnel? - @xCanes23x
Selfishly, it will be hard to keep tabs on two games going on simultaneously, but I like it as a whole!
Let's be frank, we know most of what the Opening Night roster is going to look like, right? There are a few players that could be on the bubble, but it's really more about getting the players up to game speed than anything.
If I had to guess, Rod Brind'Amour and one assistant (Jeff Daniels/Tim Gleason) will be behind the bench for one of the games in the Sunshine State, likely for the one with more "fringe" players. The other assistant and a Development Coach (
) will be behind the bench at the other.
I could be way off base, but that's just my initial thought.
I'm expecting another off-season move from the Canes, but every day we get closer to camp & preseason, it seems like either something is in the works that is taking a long time, or we are just going to trade away and-man for picks. Thoughts on this? - @MikeTheJet
It's possible, but after some of the early-July rumblings have cooled down, I don't know how likely it is anymore.
It's certainly worth noting that Paul Stastny wasn't signed until August 23 last summer. Granted, the team does not have the cap space that they did this time last year, nor do they need another body at forward as much as they did last year.
What stadium renovations will be completed by the start of next season and how is everything progressing? - @lognburns
A lot of what's transpired this summer around PNC Arena has been in the realm of functionality, rather than additions.
All elevators in the building are back up and running after their improvements, and there's a new roof on the building. Some cosmetic changes are coming to The Eye shortly as well.
In terms of additions and upgrades to the area, some major news could be coming as soon as this week.
