Training Camp Updates

It’s been over a week since the start of training camp and there have been some major moves and reassignments within the original training camp roster, as can be expected during this crucial time when coaches decide who's ready and who still needs more time to develop.

The first to go were our junior goalies, Chet Pickard and Jeremy Smith. This should have come as no surprise seeing as how we are well-stocked in the goalie department. Pickard and Smith were in town back in June for Baby Preds, ummm, I mean Rookie camp and had a chance to sharpen their skills under the watchful eye of Predators goaltending coach, Mitch Korn. While Mitch was pleased with their performance, after initial nerves subsided, it was clear these young guys were still in need of experience that would only come from playing hockey with their respective Junior teams. I’m looking forward to seeing Chet Pickard again though. I was happy that we picked him up at the Draft this year.

After the first two non-rookie pre-season games, the Predators dropped six more players and reduced the roster to 41. Forwards Geoff Peters, Mark Santorelli, Nick Spaling and Kelsey Wilson as well as defenseman Teemu Laasko (our very own Apolo Anton Ohno look-a-like) were reassigned to Milwaukee. Our 2007 first round draft pick, defenseman Jonathan Blum, was sent back to his junior team in Vancouver.

Following Saturday night’s game, forwards Mike Santorelli (single tear) and Andreas Thuresson and defenseman Cody Franson were also reassigned to Milwaukee.

After Sunday morning’s off-ice yoga session, David Poile announced the reassignment of forwards Ryan Maki, Ian McKenzie (single tear #2), defenseman Robert Dietrich (an Erat look-a-like) and goaltender Mark Dekanich back to Milwaukee. Forwards Stephen Werner, Scott Ford and defenseman Mark Matheson were all released from their professional tryout obligations and will also relocate to Milwaukee under contracts with the Admirals.

Admirals training camp is set to open Wednesday, October 1st.

The Predators roster now contains just 31 players, with 20 forwards, eight defensemen and three goalies. Jed Ortmeyer and Steve Sullivan are factored into those numbers so there are still plenty of spots to fill on the active roster while both remain out with injuries. Ortmeyer is expected to be ready for play in November while the jury is still out on whether or not Steve Sullivan will ever again set foot on the ice for a game.

My breakdown of the remaining forwards will probably be up tomorrow, now that the roster has been drastically trimmed of the AHL players and other invitees.