2015 Development Camp: Day Two Notes

Carolina prospects spent plenty of time on the ice on Tuesday, which was officially day two of development camp.  Earlier in the day, they broke into two groups and skated through a variety of drills.  Later in the day, they were put through more drills on the ice before competing in 3-on-3, 4-on-4, and 5-on-5 scrimmages.

Once again, the young players had a chance to show off their skills and other attributes and that is exactly what they did.

Sergey Tolchinsky drew some "ohhh's" and "ahhh's" from the stands as he scored a pretty goal during a 3-on-3 scrimmage and then scored again with a shootout goal at the end of practice.

I asked Tolchinsky after practice if he was still junior eligible next season, but he didn't want to discuss that.

"I have one goal this season, to make this team," the sniper answered.

He certainly got his coach's attention as Bill Peters had Tolchinsky lead the team in stretches at the end of practice.  When asked if the winger's small size was a concern or handicap in making the big club, the coach responded that he doesn't look at that when assessing a player.

"No, I don't worry about that.  I coached Tyler Johnson, I know how good he is.  So, I don't write anybody off," said Peters.

The coach went on to praise Tolchinsky's skating ability and his overall game.

"He skates well enough, he sees the ice, he thinks the game, so he's got a chance."

Sebastian Aho also drew praise from the coach.  Peters said that he'd like to see Carolina's most recent second round pick in Traverse City this fall, but Aho told me he has signed to play for Karpat in Finland for two more years.  Sometimes those contracts can be broken, we will see.

Another player who has signed in Europe next season is Gregory Hofmann.  The 2011 pick has improved a lot since the last camp he attended a few years back and feels much more confident.   I asked him about next season and he replied as follows:

"Actually, I just signed a contract to play for Lugano in Switzerland next season."

One forward who will join Tolchinski in trying to make the Hurricanes this fall is Erik Karlsson.  He is intending to stay in North America next season, whether it is in Raleigh or Charlotte.  Maybe he can get some chemistry going with fellow Swedes, Elias Lindholm and Victor Rask.  If not, he should learn a lot playing for the Checkers.

Noah Hanifin looked very smooth during the scrimmages and made several good plays.  Jaccob Slavin continued to impress and he scored on one play when he received a pass while alone in front of the net.  Haydn Fleury looked very good as well.

Luke Stevens showed good speed on a couple of plays and scored on a nifty backhander when he got past the defense.

Actually, all of the players had their good moments at various times.  It's not a good camp to be a goalie, that's for sure.

Brett Pesce sat out during the ice time again and Dante Salituro also was not on the ice.

I have video of coach Peters' meeting with the media next.

One more note - Peters calls Sebastian Aho, "Sea Bass" , which is quite the unique nickname!