The first cuts at NHL training camps have been made as players are returned to junior or released from amateur and pro tryouts.
Here are some of my observations from pre-season action around the NHL
CONNOR BEDARD’S DEBUT
Game one is in the books for Connor Bedard. His Chicago Blackhawks debut came on Thursday night versus the St. Louis Blues and he didn’t disappoint.
Bedard had two assists in the game, including an impressive back door saucer pass to Andreas Athanasiou on the game-winning goal in overtime.
More impressive, for me, was the way Bedard conducted himself. He won the majority of his face-offs, ended the game a plus-2, directed five shots on goal, and clocked in for over 21 minutes of ice time.
He played to his identity offensively without sacrificing three zone detail. It’s incredible how Bedard manipulates the angle of the puck coming off his blade and makes plays toe dragging under opponents sticks.
IS DEVON LEVI READY TO BE BUFFALO’S STARTER?
Everyone recognizes an extra save by your goaltender can lead to key victories over the season. The Buffalo Sabres, who finished one point out of playoffs last season, need those victories in 2023-24.
Here are the five goaltenders the Sabres have in training camp, with their number of NHL games played in brackets: Dustin Tokarski (80), Eric Comrie (47), Ukko-Pekka Luukonen (46), Devon Levi (7), Devin Cooley (0).
It’s a big year for the Sabres so to say they are rolling the dice hoping one of these goalies can elevate and prove themselves worthy of being a number one for the team, is an understatement.
Having said that, I believe Levi is on the cusp of winning the net in Buffalo.
Just four years ago Levi was tending net for the Carleton Place Canadians of the CCHL, but after two successful seasons at Northeastern University and a cup of coffee at the NHL level last spring, he looks ready for the NHL. I believe he is ready to tackle this challenge.
His numbers, over the past three seasons have been dominant. His goals-against average and save percentage leading up to his NHL debut speak for themselves.
Levi isn’t a towering figure between the posts – he’s listed at 6-feet, 185 pounds – but he has a stocky frame with how he stations himself between his posts. What gives Levi a chance to be an NHL starter is his athleticism and relentless compete. He has fantastic balance. He reads the play very well and his lateral quickness is explosive, allowing him to square up to the play and kick out pucks with strong low net coverage. His blocker and catcher are also very quick.
Here’s a sequence of highlights that show his crease awareness, tracking, lateral push, and quick gloves.
At the Kraft Hockeyville game this past Wednesday, my colleague David Amber interviewed Buffalo GM Kevyn Adams and asked him about Levi’s chances of becoming their starter. Although Adams was coy answering the question, it left me with the impression he’s liked what he’s seen so far out of the goaltender at training camp.
If the Sabres take the next step as a young team and make the playoffs with Levi as their starter, I’m anticipating he’ll be part of the Calder trophy discussion by year’s end.
MATT CORONATO’S OPPORTUNITY IN CALGARY
I mentioned in a previous column how I’m monitoring the goaltending competition in Calgary between Dustin Wolf and Dan Vladar, but there is another player I’m keeping a close eye on.
With the unfortunate injury to Jakob Pelletier and the Flames hoping to add some youthful enthusiasm to their lineup this season, Matt Coronato is being thrust into an elevated role at training camp.
Training camp can be hectic for young players trying to make an impression and Coronato has dressed for a team-leading four games in exhibition play. His three- goal outburst versus an undermanned Vancouver Canucks lineup stands out so far.
In his last two games versus Winnipeg and Edmonton, Coronato averaged over 15 minutes of ice time and was credited with five shots on goal. He’s a quick strike forward who needs to play in the top nine because he’s not programmed to be a depth player or checker in the lineup. It’s going to be interesting to monitor the Flames plans for Coronato in the coming days. He’s going to need to prove himself against more experienced lineups down the stretch of training camp and hopefully find a way to produce offence.
Everyone recognizes scouting isn’t an exact science. Every NHL scout has a story about a player they are most proud about supporting. They also have stories about players they misjudged. I’m no different, but I enjoy reflecting on player reports to review how a player is developing.
With Coronato in the mix for a roster spot in Calgary, here’s a look at my report on Coronato before he turned pro last spring:
