It’s hotter than a jalapeno’s armpit outside. This can mean only one thing in the hockey world. It’s NHL development camp season.
Development or prospect camps are an opportunity for the big clubs to assess the young contracted players in their systems as well as the draft picks whose signing rights the team holds. It’s also a chance to get a better look at some free agents in which the teams have an interest. I expect there to be at least eight Buckeye campers this year.
| buckeye campers | nhl team | status | camp dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wyatt Ege, D | Vegas Golden Knights | Free Agent Invite | Concluded |
| Josh Healey, D | Calgary Flames | Under Contract | July 5-7 |
| Mason Josbt, F | Pittsburgh Penguins | Free Agent Invite | Concluded |
| Boston Bruins | Free Agent Invite | July 6-9 | |
| Dakota Joshua, F | Toronto Maple Leafs | Drafted Prospect | July 7- |
| Tanner Laczynski, F | Philadelphia Flyers | Drafted Prospect | July 7-12 |
| Nick Schilkey, F | Carolina Hurricanes | Free Agent Invite | Concluded |
| Matt Tomkins, G | Chicago Blackhawks | Under Contract | July 17-21 |
| John Wiitala, F | Minnesota Wild | Free Agent Invite | July 8-13 |
Drafted Buckeyes Dakota Joshua (Toronto Maple Leafs) and Tanner Laczynski (Philadelphia Flyers) will take part in their respective teams’ camps beginning this Friday. Former Bucks with pro deals participating in development camps include Josh Healey (Calgary Flames) and one assumes, although that roster has not yet been released, Matt Tomkins (Chicago Blackhawks).
Four Buckeyes earned free agent invitations to camps. Wyatt Ege, a transfer who joins Ohio State this season after sitting out last year, skated at the Vegas Golden Knights’ inaugural development camp. John Wiitala is slated to take part when the Minnesota Wild open camp this Saturday. Mason Jobst showcased his skills for the Pittsburgh Penguins last week and will give the Boston Bruins a look next.
OSU’s fourth free agent invitee, Nick Schilkey, strutted his stuff at the Carolina Hurricanes’ prospect camp last week. The big wigs liked what they saw. Carolina’s AHL affiliate, the Charlotte Checkers, today announced a one-way deal with the former Buckeye captain.
One Timers
- In other contract news the Ottawa Senators agreed to a two year contract extension with Max McCormick and John Albert signed a one year deal with the Washington Capitals.
- Ohio State is looking to replace associate head coach Mark Strobel who recently returned to Wisconsin.
- The Big Ten today released its list of Distinguished Scholars, a list which includes a school-record 115 Buckeyes. Ohio State hockey is represented by a quintet of skaters: Sr. Katie Matheny (Human Development and Family Science), Jr. Lauren Spring (Physical Education Teacher Education), So. Freddy Gerard (Communications), Sr. Nick Schilkey (Finance), and Sr. Matt Tomkins (Finance) Gerard, Schilkey, and Tomkins are three of just nine men’s hockey players to be honored.
