The Devils held the first day of their Development Camp for prospects and rookies this morning at Prudential Center. I would have told you about this earlier, but the Devils didn't let the media know that it was going to take place until Saturday afternoon. Plus, the sessions are NOT open to the public.
I had a vacation day scheduled for today and am out of town, but wanted to pass along what I did know.
First, Fedor Fedorov is among the 23 players attending and has been officially signed.
I've got a call into Lou Lamoriello about that. Fedorov has been suspended from international competion by the IIHF, but that doesn't prevent him from skating here.
Also participating this week are defenseman Matthew Corrente, the team's 2006 first-round pick, defenseman Anssi Salmela, a free agent signing who played in Finland last season, right wing Matt Halischuk, right wing Nick Palmieri and goaltender Jeff Frazee.
The full list of participating players is below. Before you ask, I'm looking into why Tyler Eckford is not on the list.
Goaltender (1): Jeff Frazee (Devils' 2nd choice, 38th overall in 2005).
Defensemen (9): Brandon Burlon (2nd choice, 52nd overall in 2008); Matthew Corrente (1st choice, 30th overall in 2006); Matt Delahey (5th choice, 112th overall in 2008); Mark Fayne (5th choice, 155th overall in 2005); Mark Fraser (3rd choice, 84th overall in 2005); Corbin McPherson (3rd choice, 87th overall in 2007); Tyler Miller (5th choice, 107th overall in 2006); Anssi Salmela (free agent signed by Devils); Harry Young (8th choice, 202nd overall in 2008).
Left wing (3): Jean-Sebastien Berube (9th choice, 208th overall in 2008); Brad Snetsinger (free agent signed by Devils); Vili Sopanen (5th choice, 177 overall in 2007).
Center (7): Tyler Burton (free agent signed by Lowell); Patrice Cormier (3rd choice, 54th overall in 2008); Fedor Fedorov (free agent signed by Devils); Adam Henrique (4th choice, 82nd overall in 2008); Cory Nagy (6th choice, 142nd overall in 2008); Michael Swift (free agent signed by Devils); David Wohlberg (7th choice, 172nd overall in 2008).
Right wing (3): Matt Halishcuk (4th choice, 117th overall in 2007); Nick Palmieri (2nd choice, 79th overall in 2007); Nathan Perkovich (6th choice, 250th overall in 2004).
Am I the only guy who read "Tyler Burton" and thought that maybe a schizophrenic anarchist was probably not the best choice for this team?
Posted by: Alzheimers | July 21, 2008 at 02:34 PM
Good stuff TG! Lou should open this up to season ticket holders.
I hear Ty Miller is similar to Eckford, hopefully these guys show some promise.
Posted by: Mike from Elmwood Park | July 21, 2008 at 02:37 PM
I wish Lou wasn't so secretive about stuff like this. Flyers prospects camps are advertised, and you're welcome to come.
I'd like to watch these guys do drills & have some fun and let them know they have some support. Wonder who ran the on ice drills portion?? Sutter? J. Mac? Albelin? Stevens? Dano?
Wonder why only one goalie?
Posted by: Vadvlfan | July 21, 2008 at 02:49 PM
As long as we begin to bring up young talent and move some of the older talent on, I'm fine. The teams that win, have the right balance between rookies (1st, 2nd and some 3rd year players) and vets. We just have vets.
I'd like to see more size and younger guys.
I also do agree, Lou should open it to season ticket holders.
Posted by: Falcone | July 21, 2008 at 03:22 PM
this just makes it even more obvious that the Devils arent even trying to market the team. this is just stupid not having it open to the public and not capitalizing on a chance to show off the team.
and why wasnt Tedenby there? just because he isnt gonna be in the US next season doesnt mean he cant come to this camp. and Zharkov, Vasyunov? why not lou?
Posted by: LuziferDevs | July 21, 2008 at 03:27 PM
Why was Fedorov suspended by IIHF?
Posted by: Bill | July 21, 2008 at 03:39 PM
i too wish this were open to the public, but in the same breath, i highly doubt opening the Rookie camp to the public would give much of a difference in terms of marketing the team. I mean how many people aside from the devout would even know who half these names are? I am willing to bet that 80% of the Sports reporters in the area(Print, Radio, TV) have no idea who ANY of these guys are
Posted by: Pearl Jammed(RJ Arditti) | July 21, 2008 at 04:05 PM
Alzheimers,
I bet he can take a punch.
Posted by: Just Some Guy | July 21, 2008 at 04:06 PM
Alzheimers.... what exactly do you mean my a Schizophrenic Anarchist exactly? where did you hear that?
Posted by: Pearl Jammed(RJ Arditti) | July 21, 2008 at 04:14 PM
The first rule abouth Devils Development Camp, is that you don't talk about Devils Development Camp.
Posted by: MaLockFan | July 21, 2008 at 04:17 PM
Fight Club's main character is Tyler Durden.
Posted by: brule2000 | July 21, 2008 at 04:23 PM
Kudos, MaLockFan, that is sharp!
Posted by: brule2000 | July 21, 2008 at 04:26 PM
I heard that Tyler went up to Corrente and said, "I want you to hit me as hard as you can."
Posted by: Just Some Guy | July 21, 2008 at 04:36 PM
Tedenby is still under contract with his team in Sweden. He can't be in camp with an NHL team.
Posted by: TG | July 21, 2008 at 04:36 PM
The Trenton Devils signed forwards Chris Poli and Tony Zancanaro, and defensemen David Leaderer and Matt Torti.
Posted by: TG | July 21, 2008 at 04:48 PM
No Mattias Tedenby?
Posted by: Pat D'Amico | July 21, 2008 at 05:05 PM
i heard Brent Sutter gave them all "homework", and that homework was to Fight a total stranger, and LOSE!
In Project Mayhem only when reporting do we have a name...
"His name is TG"
"His Name is TG"
"his name is TG"
Posted by: Pearl Jammed(RJ Arditti) | July 21, 2008 at 05:14 PM
TG, you are the man.
Posted by: Maxwell | July 21, 2008 at 05:15 PM
Some things that popped out:
A) No Zharkov...doesn't mean anything sinister, just would have been nice to have him there.
B) Good on Burlon, Wohlberg, Perkovich, Fayne, Miller and McPherson to pay their way and show commitment. Kind of surprised Mike Hoeffel won't be there, but again I'm not reading much into it. Just hope his knee is still doing well.
C) Is Sopanen coming over? Seems he'd be best developing in Finland for another year or two. He got good icetime and sounded like he was in a good situation there. Lowell also already has a bunch of forwards.
D) Is this the first developmental camp the Devils have had in a while? Or have they just been typically secretive about it?
E) I remember over the past few years some Swedes have been in developmental camps even if they play with their Swedish teams the next year. I think those guys have usually been signed by an NHL team first and then loaned back to their SEL teams, but I thought they could go to developmental camps (I'm sure with team consent), as long as it doesn't interfere with their own team's preseason activities.
F) Mark Fraser seems like a somewhat atypical guy for the developmental camp. Not that he can step into the NHL, but he's played in the AHL for a couple years and seemed steady last year. Nothing wrong with some extra coaching. I would kind of expect Patrick Davis to be a more likely attendee
G) Is TJ Miller's official name Tyler Miller or is that a typo?
H) TG, any clue as to whether Fedorov expects to make the team this year? Lineup looks like it might be tight unless a forward is moved. Also, do you think Lou will find a taker for Vishnevski?
I forget the rest of the alphabet so I'll stop here.
Posted by: Hoosier | July 21, 2008 at 05:16 PM
I posted on the last thread but I think it got lost. I was on Kevin Weekes website and there was a picture of him wearing some type of sling. anyone know what is up with that?
Posted by: BF | July 21, 2008 at 05:23 PM
I know i am gonna get blasted for saying this, but.....
Weeksie is from the mean streets of Brick City now and $h1t happens BEEEEEEOOOOOTTTTTTCCCCCHHHHHHHH, next time he better not dis radio raheim and his arm would be Aight
Posted by: Pearl Jammed(RJ Arditti) | July 21, 2008 at 05:32 PM
or maybe he was just following Coach Sutters "homework" and lost big time
Posted by: Pearl Jammed(RJ Arditti) | July 21, 2008 at 05:37 PM
Photos on the team's site now; I guess it's not so secret after all.
Posted by: brule2000 | July 21, 2008 at 06:33 PM
nice going TG, enjoy your vacation.
===
mike -
you're right mike, i have been pretty negative on the team. that's because i hate losing in the first and second round. i dont know what you're smoking, but if you have liked the teams lou has put on the ice since 2003, then we must be watching different teams.
also, unless you're talking about 5+ years ago, lou's reputation in the nhl has taken huge hits since the cap era began from UFA losses, poor signings, and the massive slide of the devils farm system. and i am not the only one saying it...tune into xm, listen to boomer and laughlin. i have also read more than once that many gm's wont even work with him anymore.
i will support this team no matter what and go to many games. and i hope like anything that travis reemerges, elias plays back to form, gio finds linemates he can score with, madden doesnt get any older, white could see, VV and zubes play to their potentials, etc...but that is way too many wishes and holes to expect this team to go past the 1st or 2nd round.
Posted by: SonicDude | July 21, 2008 at 06:41 PM
Nice to see there are some observant Devil fans on this post (mike) not just the Lou kool aid drinkers. This Fedorov signing is more bottom fishing for Lou. More interchangeable parts that mixed with the genius of Lou will win the Cup as Lou's Legend grows. Problem is Lou is a legend now in is own mind.
Probably the worst GM in the league since the Cap. The worst signings..most wasted money....weakest farm system...among the lowest scoring....boring teams in the league...not to mention his lack of celebration of Devil cup winning players. I lost it for Lou when he gave Neider's # to a rookie. That tells you and every UFA how much recognition a player is allowed to hava as a Devil.
Just look at the players that get discussed on this post. Its a joke everyone of them is replaceable( except Marty). If you pay "The Rock" prices to see this team your nuts. With top young stars dotting the East..this could be the year the Dev's don't make the playoffs...last year they made it by Marty standing on his head.
Devils Bankrupt within 2 years....that will be Lou's stuffed shirt..nobody's bigger then the team or me..play the checkers over the scorers...keep the fans at arms length...legacy.
Posted by: jersey jeff | July 21, 2008 at 07:19 PM