Training Camp Weekend Wrap-Up
By Jason Siders
May 16, 2014; Anaheim, CA, USA; Anaheim Ducks right wing Kyle Palmieri (21) is called for an elbowing penalty against Los Angeles Kings defenseman Drew Doughty (8) during the third period in game seven of the second round of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
The Ducks reported to training camp on Thursday, and hit the ice on Friday. The boys in orange only have a short time before the Preseason begins this Monday, with split-squad scrimmages against Colorado.
In case you weren’t able to come out and watch the Ducks work out this weekend, here’s what you need to know:
PTO’s
The Ducks brought in several veteran players on professional tryout contracts (PTO’s). These contracts are short term agreements that theoretically allow players the chance to make the squad during training camp. In reality they usually serve to provide competition for younger players and ensure that enough players are available to facilitate split-squad workouts.
This camp, the Ducks invited forwards Brad Winchester, Steve MacIntyre, Brandon Yip, and defenseman Brendan Bell to training camp. They’re a long shot to make the squad, but they at least have a shot at an AHL contract.
Injuries
At the start of training camp, it was revealed that Kyle Palmieri and defensive prospect Shea Theodore would not be participating in camp due to injuries.
Palmieri will be out for the next two weeks due to a high ankle sprain. The team hopes for him to be back in the lineup in time for the October 4 game against San Jose. Theodore will be out of action for the next 4-6 weeks with an elbow injury, which he suffered in Sunday’s futures game.
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We wish these two the best. I’m excited, however because of who isn’t injured. It appears that Francois Beauchemin has finally returned to full health.
In an interview with Steve Carroll, Beauchemin admitted that this was the first pain-free training camp in five years, and it showed this weekend.
A healthy Beauchemin was sorely missed by the Ducks last season. If he can remain healthy, Beauchemin can help push the Ducks’ defensive corps to new heights this season. (read more: Francois Beauchemin is the Key to Success This Season)
Line Combinations
The team was split into two different workout groups for training camp. For the most part, the line combinations were as follows:
Group A:
Heatley-Getzlaf-Perry
Cogliano-Rakell-SmithPelly
Kerdiles-Steckel-Noesen
Winchester-Cramarossa-Helgesen
Fowler-Lovejoy
Stoner-Vatanen
Clark-O’Brien
Manson-McIver
Andersen, LaBarbera
Group B:
Maroon-Kesler-Silfverberg
Ritchie-Karlsson-Etem
Beleskey/Friberg-Thompson-Jackman
Laganiere-Sarault-Yip/Leblanc
Beauchemin-Lindholm
Allen-Fistric
Gagne-Blacker
Bell
Gibson, Bobkov
Initially, I like the way these lines are looking. The new look top line of Heatley, Getzlaf, and Perry looked very dangerous already. Heatley is a good fit up top, if only because he would really fit nowhere else.
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Eyes On Isles
Heatley has a great shot, and he showed it off several times during the weekend. Hopefully playing with one of the better playmaking centers in the game will allow him to regain some of the confidence this season.
Though Heatley is still far from the 2007 50-goal scorer version of himself, he seems to have gained a spring in his step. It’s only training camp, but maybe Heater’s finally turned a corner in his conditioning.
Ultimately, I think that Andrew Cogliano may be given an audition in one of those wing spots because traditionally Kesler’s game favors speedy wingers. Just ask Mason Raymond and Alexander Burrows, his linemates during Vancouver’s 2011 Stanley Cup Final run.
However, I could also see Maroon and Silfverberg working well with Kesler. We saw a glimpse of Maroon’s potential to be a distributor during the end of last season and in the playoffs. If he can replicate his success in this role, he will thrive. Both Silfverberg and Kesler have great shots with quick releases. This is one line to keep an eye on as Preseason rolls around.
Ritchie, Karlsson and Etem all have uphill battles to climb if they want to make the squad out of training camp. But for now, the new-look “kids line” looked great.
Karlsson is really making a strong case for making the squad. He was a standout in the two futures games against San Jose last week, and he’s been performing well at training camp thus far.
Expect him and Rakell to be in direct competition for a roster spot. (read more: Anaheim Ducks Depth Chart: Rakell, Karlsson, or Kerdiles?)
The State of the Roster
As interesting and exciting camp has been so far, nothing is more intriguing to me than what was said by Bob Murray on Thursday. When asked about the possibility of making further moves to improve the team, Murray responded that he wanted to wait until the 15-20 game mark to reevaluate his team’s needs.
He would be wise to do so. The Ducks could certainly use another top-four defenseman or top-six forward. Murray has plenty of cap space and a deep prospect pool at his disposal should an opportunity for a trade arise.
Trade rumors for Boston’s Johnny Boychuk continue to swirl, but he may be gone before the 15-20 game mark, as the Bruins are currently searching for a way to come in under the salary cap.
Boychuk would immediately improve the team, and considering the Bruins are looking to shed salary, it may not take much in terms of NHL players to get him.
That’s it for this week. The fruit of the Ducks’ labor this training camp will be on display tomorrow night in a split squad game against the Colorado Avalanche (7pm @ Honda Center, 6pm @ Pepsi Center in Denver). Stay tuned here for the latest updates on training camp, and the rest of the 2014-2015 season.
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