All across North America, National Hockey League players reported for the first day of training camp today.
That was the situation here in the Nation's Capital too as a total of 55 players reported to the Canadian Tire Centre for their fitness testing and medicals. No on ice action just yet but they'll all lace em up for the first time tomorrow morning.
And with the start of training camp comes a whole host of new storylines and debates for media and fans. After a couple successful seasons in Ottawa, the pressure and expectations are going to be higher than ever for this Senators team.
Here's six things to keep an eye on with training camp officially underway
- Down the Middle
Comments made by Paul MacLean on Day 1 give us a sense how the team currently views their centre ice position. Spezza, Turris, Zibanejad and Smith. Those are the four centres in the minds of the coaching staff and it's up to somebody in camp to make them change their mind. The obvious name missing from that list is Jean Gabriel Pageau. He's a natural centre and some fans had him penciled in on the 3rd line but the organization is set on starting Zibanejad there. We'll find out pretty early on in camp what that means for the hero from last year's playoffs.
- Choosing a Captain
This one won't be allowed to linger long and I really think there's a chance we hear something on this front tomorrow and certainly by the end of the week. Paul MacLean is saying all the right things about doing his due diligence with this process but I would be pretty shocked if Jason Spezza isn't named the next Captain of the Ottawa Senators. The Head Coach mentioned that they did consider Erik Karlsson for the position but decided he was still a little too young. Makes sense. The Sens will also have to decide on alternate captain, which I believe should go to Chris Phillips and Chris Neil. We shall see.
- Making an Impression
Every year in training camp and through preseason, there is a guy that comes from out of nowhere and really pushes for a spot on the roster. And while there aren't a ton of opening in the line up, it will be interesting to see which guys put their best foot forward during the short audition. Jean Gabriel Pageau, Mark Stone, Mike Hoffman, Shane Prince, Stephane Da Costa, Andre Petersson, Matt Puempel, Mark Borowiecki and Cody Ceci make up a group that has a chance to really show they can play at this level.
- In Good Health
Every year during training camp and pre season I find I'm excited for the first couple days and then spend the rest of the time just hoping somebody doesn't get hurt. After the incredibly bad luck this team had on the injury front last year, you can't blame fans for being a little on edge when it comes to this particular topic. Health is also going to be a storyline for some of the big names that suffered significant injuries last year including Erik Karlsson, Jason Spezza and Craig Anderson. The good news is they all say they feel 100% heading into camp.
- Waiting on Jared
I'm honestly shocked this has been allowed to go on so long. I have a hard time believing the difference in demands could be so significant that it's worth Cowen sitting out and wasting such a great opportunity to play a big role on this team. Yet here we are on the first day of camp and still no contract. This is especially surprising when you consider the tough season Cowen had last year. The Sens are willing to wait this one out if they have to. Here's hoping common sense prevails in the not too distant future and the Sens can get a key piece back in their line up and Cowen can start his season on the right foot.
- The Special Teams
It will be interesting to see how MacLean lines up the power play to start camp. Obviously he'll load up that top line to start with Michalek-Spezza-Ryan up front and Karlsson on the back end. But then who is fifth guy working alongside EK65? I would give the inside track to Wiercioch at this point but we'll see what Coach has in mind. And then what about that second unit? MacArthur and Turris are likely on there. But who gets the other forward spot? And who are the point men?
Those are six things I'll be watching closely during training camp and preseason. What about you? What storylines will you be keeping an eye with a new NHL season finally upon us?
