9/9/2019 – Central California

With the 2019 Rookie Draft completed, the Delta Sturgeon opened training camp. As happens each year, there are some youngsters attempting to force their way onto the squad, veterans trying to hold their spots, and some younger players trying to push their way into more prominent roles.

With Management spending a lot of draft picks for veteran players, this year’s crop of Rookies is much more likely to be either on the Reserve squad, or getting limited time. That’s a fine place to be as an organization, even though you would like to have impact right away, sometimes it takes some seasons.

The key battles will likely occur on the blueline, where the acquisition of Zdeno Chara, the development of Ryan Pulock and Esa Lindell will make things mighty uncomfortable for veterans like Dan Hamhuis, Alex Goligoski and Alec Martinez.

Said GM Martin, “These are all quality players, and can definitely help clubs…but it’s going to be a numbers game heading into camp. Someone needs to step up and take that #7 spot on the club, and then beyond that we have to see how many spots we will allot for younger players vs. veterans. None of these guys are happy about the situation, but the fact of the matter is that they need to prove they can still be contributors on this club. We have 12 defensemen on the roster, and there’s just no way we’ll be able to go into the season with that many folks on the blue line.”

When asked about Edjsell and Zykov….
“Well, Victor’s agent has informed us that he has signed a contract to play overseas this year. It’s unclear at the moment if we will be retaining his rights, but clearly neither of us has been happy with his progression in North American Hockey. Valentin is a great young man, but at this point, we’re just not seeing enough from him and his agent has asked for a trade. We’re trying to accommodate that request, but it’s slow going. Regardless, we’re willing to give him a chance to earn a spot at camp. “

When asked about his play thus far, Dylan Strome said “Look…it’s tough playing in this league. I was not happy to be relegated to the bench so much last season. I am out to prove this year that I can be a productive and valuable team member. They have made it clear that icetime needs to be earned, and I will do everything I can to prove to the Coaching Staff and Management that I can be a player they can count on. I am looking forward to the upcoming season, and I am confident that my game will make major strides this season.”

GM Martin was asked if he expected any deals leading up to the final roster cuts prior to the start of the season. “Well, I don’t know if expect is the right word to use. I am always looking to upgrade the team, and certainly we will be active if it makes sense. But if there isn’t a deal to be made that makes sense, I am totally comfortable with the players we have.”

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