The start of NHL training camp is now just a few weeks away.
While the upcoming World Cup continues to get the majority of hockey world’s focus, the start of a new season is just around the corner. Here in Ottawa, players are already starting to roll into town after a long summer and as you’d expect, they’re all in the best shape of their career.
Not long now folks.
With an entirely new Coaching Staff behind the bench, this figures to be one of the most interesting training camps in recent memory.
There are definitely spots up for grabs and based on the current depth chart, it’s that battle for the final few blueline spots that should be the most competitive during Camp and the preseason.
On the right side, it seems like Chris Wideman has the inside track on a job. Management has been singing his praises most of the off-season, pointing to his strong performance for Team USA at the World Championships as a sign he’s ready to an NHL regular.
It helps his cases that outside of maybe Mike Kostka, there aren’t many right-handed options on the depth chart.
It’s the left side that’s really full of question marks.
At first glance, Mark Borowiecki seems like a slight favourite. He appeared in 63 games last season under Dave Cameron and even wore a letter on his jersey at times throughout the season. He’s sort of a polarizing player among fans but there’s certainly no questioning his work-ethic. He’ll be eager to make a good first impression with the new Coaches.
Borowiecki’s main challenge for the spot may end up being a 19 year old.
Thomas Chabot was extremely impressive in last year’s training camp and will be expected to push for a job. After a sort of sub-par showing at the team’s summer development camp, he needs to have a strong showing at the Rookie Tournament in less than two weeks and show that he’s ready.
There’s no doubt that Chabot has the skill-set to play in the NHL. Because of his age it’s either the NHL or back to Junior for another season. Dorion and the Coaching Staff will be careful not to rush Chabot but if he’s ready, he’s ready.
A 9 game NHL audition may actually be the best option for Chabot.
Frederik Claesson and Patrick Sieloff are both left-hand shots and will also be in Camp but are unlikely to crack the roster.
The real wild card in all of this is the possibility of another defenceman being added to the training camp roster through a professional tryout agreement. The list of UFA defenceman includes a couple interesting options. Dorion has mentioned this possibility on a couple of occasions and it sounds like we may hear something on that front in the not too distant future.
The top two pairings seem pretty close to set in stone- Marc Methot and Erik Karlsson, Dion Phaneuf and Cody Ceci.
That third pairing will be one of the most interesting battle to watch when training camp starts in less than three weeks.
How do you expect the battle for the third pairing to play out? Which two defenceman dress on opening night?
