Development Camp Day 3 Notebook

by Marc Torrence on Jun 30, 2011 6:31 PM EDT in Milwaukee Admirals

There was a lot of buzz today at Development Camp over the qualifying offer situation from yesterday, and then David Poile's subsequent comments on that and other matters, but there was also a noticeable buzz on the ice, as the Predators continued their development camp today for day 3 of workouts.

Thoughts on today's action, as well as more pictures and video from the day at Centennial Sportsplex after the jump.

Thoughts from Day 3

The team has been running multiple drills on both rinks at Centennial, so I don't get to see everything that goes on, but one guy I saw a lot of was 4th round pick Josh Shalla. Shalla showed great hands today, controlling the puck, and even making a few nifty moves during some of the drills. He also has a nice wrist shot and him and Joel Champagne clicked pretty well together, working alongside each other for part of the day (just for you, JR). He could improve his skating and defensive ability, but has a pretty nice upside.
Jeremy Smith made a really nice save today. Smith was already sprawled across the net from making a save, and reached his glove up and snagged the rebound chance right out of thin air. Luck? Skill? Probably a little bit of both, but the crowd loved it.
It's nice to see Zach Budish doing well after his moped accident that sidelined him this season at the University of Minnesota. Budish appears to be fully recovered and has participated in every drill so far this week.
The Predators may lack offensively-gifted forwards, but there is some young talent in that department. Craig Smith, in particular, has looked sharp shooting and handling the puck, as well as Gabriel Borque, Michael Latta, and Taylor Beck. The future is bright up front.
Magnus Hellberg talks about his pad situation, what it was like getting drafted, and a few differences he's noticed between the Swedish game and what he's seen this week.

Here's some video of a pretty cool drill the team ran at the end of the day. A little 4-on-4 with significantly less space between nets. Josi scores the lone goal at :26. Also makes me appreciate NHL cameramen a little bit more...

Magnus Hellberg is tall:

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I like those practice jerseys a LOT better than the new home jerseys.

by Predaceous on Jun 30, 2011 6:36 PM EDT reply actions

Awww...

U HAZ TEH FROWNY FACE? Have a big, shiny, YELLOW smiley face to make you feel better! =P (I kid! I kid!)

On the other hand, I really like the new practice jerseys also!

EASports' NHL 11 doesn't suck; in fact, it's really damn good! Wait, what!?
Go Predators!!!

by Poiju on Jun 30, 2011 6:43 PM EDT up reply actions

I am not crazy about the numbers font.

World Wide Weber.
There is no tenderness or humanity in fanaticism.
~Joe Strummer

by cisar on Jun 30, 2011 7:14 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

If those were our new jersey’s, I’d take it even with a font issue. Anything over a gold/yellow jersey!

by Grizzledbear on Jun 30, 2011 8:58 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

Thank you for the video. It was good to watch a little hockey and take a break from all the other you-know-what.

Goaleez R weerd.

by CAustin on Jun 30, 2011 6:52 PM EDT reply actions

Baseball? Hey, at least there’s still hope for no football AND basketball next year.

OnTheForecheck.com. On twitter at @OTFMarc (NHL) and @MarcTorrence (everything else).

by Marc Torrence on Jun 30, 2011 7:00 PM EDT up reply actions

Ummmm…yeeaahh. Baseball. I was talking about baseball, that it!

Goaleez R weerd.

by CAustin on Jun 30, 2011 7:31 PM EDT up reply actions

Speak...

for yourself. My Packers won the Superbowl last year.

That being said, I am “Ryan Jonsin” for some hockey to start!

by BrianAdsFan on Jun 30, 2011 10:47 PM EDT up reply actions

GrumblegrumbleeffinPackersgrumble

Regarding going 0-4 in the NHL Awards, I quote the great Hornqvist: "S**t's gonna happen."

by DonBorvio on Jun 30, 2011 10:50 PM EDT up reply actions

I watched the whole session today. I totally agree about Latta and Beck. I think the other standout is Ekholm he is big and fast. Hard not to notice.

Ryan Ellis can shoot. In the corner or of the post and in over and over.

Thelma & Louise? No way! That's disrespectful (to Thelma and Louise).

by Marcus Newman on Jun 30, 2011 8:48 PM EDT via mobile reply actions

Latta/Beck/Smith could make a nice line in a few years time……..but we need help now!

by Grizzledbear on Jun 30, 2011 9:00 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

I think Ellis and Latta will be up in short order. Especially if SK74 is suddenly a UFA (cringe).

Thelma & Louise? No way! That's disrespectful (to Thelma and Louise).

by Marcus Newman on Jun 30, 2011 9:50 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

Had a great time watching Ellis and Josi today

Glad i got the day off to go out and watch the future boys play some hockey. Got some great photos too might try and post some of them. Ellis has a very heavy shot even on his wrist shot they were very quick and sharp. Josi has some great hands and was doing very well in the 2 on 1s. Wish i was able to make it to the other end and watch Austin Watson some more but damn that guy is TALL!

by Shadow23 on Jun 30, 2011 10:45 PM EDT reply actions