Development camp offers organizations a chance to work with prospects, make adjustments and notice improvements that players have made. Halfway through camp, players have dusted off some of the cobwebs and are regaining their skating legs. At the conclusion of the Bruins' second day, some players are beginning to stand out.
-- University of Maine goaltender Jeremy Swayman has stood out with his impressive play. He has been aggressive, cutting down shooters' angles to appear big in the net. His strong lateral quickness allows him to move from post-to-post quickly.
"Especially in the development camp, I like to play with different depths," elaborated Swayman. "You know, challenging the shooter, making it hard for them to see the net, and reacting when they make the first move. I'm trying new things here and coach Mike Dunham has been huge for me confidence-wise."
Swayman seized the starting job as a true freshman, playing in 31 games and posted a .921 save percentage with the Black Bears.
-- 2017 second-round pick Jack Studnicka has emerged as a leader. After posting 72 points with the Oshawa Generals, Studnicka has approached his second time at Bruins development camp with an increased sense of urgency. Studnicka is the first player to participate in every drill, making sure that he leads his teammates by example.
"I think that's a lofty goal for him as a 19-year-old to play in the National Hockey League," said Bruins director of player development Jamie Langenbrunner when asked about Studnicka's goal of making the Bruins roster this fall. "I wouldn't put it past him, he's a determined kid."
- Karson Kuhlman has turned heads at the beginning of camp. He finished at the head of the pack during wind sprints and showed great poise to find open lanes and soft spots during scrimmage drills. The line of Kuhlman, Cedric Pare, and Teemu Kivihalme displayed great puck possession and made a lot of plays down low in the offensive zone. After captaining Minnesota-Duluth to an NCAA championship, Kuhlman impressed in limited late-season action with the Providence Bruins. He could be a surprise player to challenge for a roster spot during training camp.
- The Bruins signed Olivier Galipeau and he made his debut on the ice Wednesday morning. Galipeau was supposed to participate in the Canadiens development camp, but instead spurned the rival club. The 21-year-old defenseman posted 74 points in 67 games in the QMJHL last season.
- Day 2 provided a change of pace from the first day. Players were exhausted after a grueling on-ice session and off-ice testing on Tuesday. Windsprints kicked off the skate and many players were still trying to find their legs throughout practice. On Wednesday, flow drills and small area competitions afforded the goaltenders plenty of shots and allowed for players to display their skills with the puck. '
The speed and creativity involved in the second day was a stark contrast to the structure of the first day. Players also broke out of their comfort zones on the second day. There was much more chatter on the ice, and players cheered after a goal was scored. The players relish the chance to get to know one another and build connections while fine-tuning their game.
