Campfire Stories

Matt Bugg

2007-09-16

Robert Nilsson

 

Some NHL camps are wrapping up, some are just underway, and some haven't started yet. Here's a look at the latest news as it's been coming in.
 

 

Anaheim
 
Who was expected to break out: Bobby Ryan. With the departure of their two leading goal-scorers in Teemu Selanne and Dustin Penner, the burgeoning power forward was given the ultimate opportunity.
 
Who broke out: Todd Bertuzzi. Ryan simply is not fast enough yet for the NHL, and it showed during the first LA/Anaheim pre-season bout. Bertuzzi, however, looks to be 100% in every regard.
 

Atlanta
 
Who was expected to break out: Bryan Little. The Thrashers needed help before; but with Steve Rucchin failing his physical, Little needed to come up Big.
 
Who broke out: Brett Sterling. The high-scoring AHLer demonstrated enough to actually earn a spot, although he probably had one locked up anyway. Little just isn't ready.
 

Buffalo
 
Who was expected to break out: Marek Zagrapan. Decimated by free agency, there was never a better time for the 13th overall selection in '05 to impress.
 
Who broke out: Mark Mancari, on a line with Vanek and Connolly. The bruising power winger thrived with a crafty playmaker and an even craftier goal-scorer. Poolies, take note of this combo!
 

Boston
 
Who was expected to break out: David Krejci. The Bs already have a solid group in Savard, Bergeron, Kessel, Sturm, Murray and Bochenski. However, Kreci could have easily supplanted that last name on the list.
 
Who broke out: Marc Savard. To be fair, Krecji hasn't been on the ice a whole lot as of yet. And Savard's an established star. However, the veteran has never looked more dominant on his own.
 

Chicago
 
Who was expected to break out: Jonathon Toews. The youngster dominated at the World Championships despite playing with and against men. He was a lock to make the team even before camp started.
 
Who broke out: Patrick Kane. While Toews has been good, he hasn't been out-of-your-seat good. Kane, for his part, scored two goals in the first scrimmage- one a highlight-reel spin-o-rama that his boss just happened to invent.
 
 
Colorado
 
Who was expected to break out: T.J. Hensick. Looking to follow fellow former collegiate Paul Stastny to the NHL, Hensick's game-breaking speed and offensive instincts were to be a camp focus.
 
Who broke out: Chris Stewart. Hensick has actually been quite dangerous, but Stewart has been a physical force. If he wins a job creating space for Sakic or Stastny, watch out.
 
 
Columbus
 
Who was expected to break out: Kris Russell. The BJs have sorely needed offensive punch from the backend forever, and Russell was expected to deliver right away.
 
Who broke out: Derick Brassard. Russell's speed stood out, but stay-at-homer Marc Methot out-played him. Any lost offense will be more than made up for by Brassard and Brule, who both look more than ready for the show.
 

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Detroit
 
Who was expected to break out: Igor Grigorenko. The Wings actually had a help-wanted sign up for more than a depth forward this year, and Grigorenko has waited longer than anyone for that spot.
 
Who broke out: Tomas Kopecky. As Dobber mentioned in his Ramblings, the energy winger burst out offensively while 'Grigs' was flat. Be warned, though- while Kopecky may initially line up with Z and Datsyuk, he doesn't have the talent or consistency to stick there.
 

Edmonton
 
Who was expected to break out: Rob Schremp. Or Andrew Cogliano. Or Sam Gagner. The Oilers needed a rookie to show something, because free agency failed to fill a glaring hole in the top six.
 
Who broke out: Robert Nilsson. Schremp has been too slow, Cogliano has yet to grow hands, and Gagner's been good but not outstanding. Nilsson grabbed the reigns and has been a one-man show.
 

Nashville
 
Who was expected to break out: Alexander Radulov. In an offseason marred by an impending sale and a resulting salary clean-out, Radulov was one bright spot. His dominant playoffs were expected to carry over to this year.
 
Who broke out: Shea Weber. No forward has stood out, a possible red flag. Weber, however, has been the camp's star. His energy, leadership and skill level point towards a massive season.
 

NYR
 
Who was expected to break out: Marc Staal. Known more for his shutdown prowess, the second-oldest Staal shone offensively in the OHL playoffs, earning MVP honors with 20 points in 21 games.
 
Who broke out: Ryan Callahan. Moved to center, the checking forward had instant chemistry with Peter Prucha. Staal, for his part, looked like the rookie defender he is- although you can't fault him for being shown up by some guy named Jagr time and again.
 

NYI
 
Who was expected to break out: Jeff Tambellini. Cooking in the college and AHL ranks seemingly forever, the speedy winger had a new coach and a new camp in which to grab a job.
 
Who broke out: Josef Vasicek: Tambellini will still have an NHL job when all is said and done, but Vasicek was a revelation. The underreported free agent signing put on a playmaking clinic.
 
 

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