Welcome to the buzz surrounding the NHL training camp for the 2024-25 season. With training camp now in full swing, NHL.com is here to bring you the latest updates.
San Jose Sharks
Macklin Celebrini is set to make his debut for the San Jose Sharks during their preseason opener against the Vegas Golden Knights at SAP Center in San Jose on Sunday at 8 p.m. ET.
Selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, Celebrini had his first appearance with the Sharks at the 2024 Rookie Faceoff, where he scored in a 3-2 victory over the Utah Hockey Club on September 13 in El Segundo, California. He did not participate in the final two games of the tournament.
The 18-year-old center has been practicing alongside Tyler Toffoli and Klim Kostin during training camp.
“I’m really looking forward to it. This is my first game at SAP Center,” Celebrini expressed. “Playing against Vegas is just incredible.”
He also mentioned that his father, Rick, will be attending the game.
“This is another chance to prepare for the season. There’s a purpose behind these preseason games,” Celebrini added. “My goal is to go out there, gauge the pace of play, and hopefully, find my comfort zone.” — Max Miller
Edmonton Oilers
Darnell Nurse feels “confident” about being ready for the Oilers’ season opener against the Winnipeg Jets on October 9, but he is uncertain about participating in any preseason matchups.
Currently recovering from an undisclosed injury sustained during the Stanley Cup Final, Nurse took part in the opening day of training camp on Thursday and completed all the drills.
“It’s a developing situation,” Nurse stated. “I’m approaching it day by day, and I’m feeling good out there.”
The injury occurred in the first period of Game 2 against the Panthers due to a hit from forward Evan Rodrigues, limiting Nurse to just seven shifts for the remainder of that game. However, he played through the rest of the series, in which Edmonton fell in seven games.
He mentioned that this injury disrupted his offseason routine.
“It actually forced me to take a step back and relax for the first time, which was beneficial,” Nurse reflected. ”I managed to disconnect and reset, making it a great summer.”
The Oilers will kick off their preseason against the Winnipeg Jets on Sunday.
“Absolutely, I do believe he will be ready for the regular season,” Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch remarked when asked about Nurse’s readiness. “I haven’t had any discussions with him today, but I’m confident he feels pretty well. I believe he’ll participate in at least two exhibition games.” — Derek Van Diest
Toronto Maple Leafs
Jake McCabe, in the final year of his four-year contract, disclosed that he has initiated preliminary discussions regarding a new deal with the Maple Leafs and is open to negotiating during the season.
“I love playing here, and I think they appreciate my game as well, which is why we have agents and now it’s time for training camp,” said the defenseman on Friday. “I’m enjoying my time here. We’ve had some conversations, and we’ll see how things unfold.”
McCabe, who was traded from the Chicago Blackhawks on February 27, 2023, tallied 28 points (eight goals and 20 assists) in 73 regular-season games last season. — Dave McCarthy
Winnipeg Jets
Ville Heinola is sidelined indefinitely due to an infection in his surgically repaired ankle.
This issue originates from last season’s training camp when he broke his ankle during the final preseason game. Following the injury, Heinola required surgery and had a screw inserted, limiting him to just 41 games with Manitoba of the American Hockey League last season.
“It’s concerning,” remarked Jets coach Scott Arniel on Friday. “I’m not sure what the next steps are. The doctors will need to examine him further.”
Heinola participated in Winnipeg’s first day of camp on Thursday but was absent on Friday.
“Over the last couple of days, it has swelled up, and we weren’t sure what was happening,” Arniel said. ”Upon examination, it turned out to be infected.”
“This isn’t a day-to-day situation; we’ll revisit this in about a week to assess his condition. It’s more serious than we initially thought.”
A first-round selection (No. 20) in the 2019 NHL Draft, Heinola accumulated 27 points (10 goals and 17 assists) in 41 games with Manitoba during the 2023-24 season. He has recorded 11 points (one goal and 10 assists) in 35 career games with the Jets. — Darrin Bauming
Training Camp Highlights: Sharks’ Celebrini Prepares for Preseason, Oilers’ Nurse Eyes Season Opener, Maple Leafs’ McCabe Discusses Contract Talks, Jets’ Heinola Faces Injury Setback
Sharks’ Celebrini Prepares for Preseason
The San Jose Sharks have high hopes for their standout rookie, Leo Celebrini, as he gears up for the preseason. Celebrini, who was the first overall pick in the most recent draft, has been making waves during training camp with his impressive skills and on-ice vision.
Training Camp Performances
- Speed and Agility: Celebrini’s speed has been a focal point during training camp, allowing him to outmaneuver defenders with ease.
- Shooting Accuracy: His shooting accuracy has shown significant improvement, making him a formidable threat on the ice.
- Team Integration: Celebrini has quickly built chemistry with fellow teammates, which is crucial for team success in the upcoming season.
Preseason Expectations
As the Sharks prepare for their preseason games, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how Celebrini will contribute. With his skill set and work ethic, he is expected to play a vital role in the Sharks’ offensive strategies.
Oilers’ Nurse Eyes Season Opener
For the Edmonton Oilers, defenseman Darnell Nurse is focused on being ready for the season opener after a challenging offseason. Nurse’s leadership and experience on the blue line are critical for the Oilers’ aspirations this year.
Offseason Training Regimen
During the offseason, Nurse has been dedicated to enhancing his physical conditioning and on-ice performance. His training regimen includes:
- Strength Training: Focusing on core and leg strength to improve stability and power.
- On-Ice Drills: Practicing puck handling and defensive positioning to sharpen his skills.
- Team-Building Activities: Engaging in offseason events with teammates to foster camaraderie.
Impact on the Team
As Nurse aims for a strong start to the season, his presence will be crucial for the Oilers’ defensive strategy. His ability to read the game and contribute offensively makes him one of the key players to watch in the upcoming games.
Maple Leafs’ McCabe Discusses Contract Talks
In Toronto, defenseman Jake McCabe has been in the spotlight discussing his ongoing contract negotiations with the Maple Leafs. McCabe’s performance last season solidified his role as a reliable defender, which has made his contract discussions a hot topic among fans and analysts.
Current Contract Situation
McCabe’s current contract negotiations are centered around several key factors:
- Performance Metrics: His defensive statistics and contributions to the team’s success are being evaluated.
- Market Trends: The current market for defensemen is influencing the negotiations significantly.
- Team Needs: The Maple Leafs’ strategic direction will play a role in determining McCabe’s future.
Player Perspective
In recent interviews, McCabe expressed optimism about reaching an agreement that benefits both him and the team. The Maple Leafs are keen on retaining McCabe’s services, as his experience and skill set are invaluable for their defensive lineup.
Jets’ Heinola Faces Injury Setback
Meanwhile, the Winnipeg Jets are dealing with disappointment as defenseman Ville Heinola faces an injury setback. Heinola, who was expected to play a key role this season, has encountered challenges during training camp.
Injury Details
- Type of Injury: Heinola is dealing with a lower-body injury that has raised concerns among the coaching staff.
- Recovery Timeline: Initial assessments suggest that he may miss a significant portion of the preseason.
- Impact on Roster: The Jets will need to adjust their defensive pairings in his absence, making depth crucial.
Future Outlook
Heinola’s injury not only impacts the Jets’ defensive strategy but also places additional pressure on younger players to step up. The coaching staff is hopeful for a quick recovery but is also preparing for contingencies.
Player Development Insights
Training camps are pivotal for player development and team dynamics. Here are some insights into how players can maximize their training camp experience:
Benefits of Effective Training Camp Participation
- Skill Development: Players can refine their skills through focused drills and practice sessions.
- Team Chemistry: Building relationships with teammates can lead to better on-ice performance.
- Coaching Feedback: Receiving constructive feedback from coaches helps in identifying areas for improvement.
Practical Tips for Players
- Set Clear Goals: Define personal objectives for the training camp.
- Stay Committed: Attend all training sessions and be punctual.
- Stay Positive: Maintain a positive attitude, even during challenging drills.
Case Studies: Success Stories from Training Camps
| Player | Team | Training Camp Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Connor McDavid | Edmonton Oilers | Dominated training camp, leading to an MVP season. |
| Auston Matthews | Toronto Maple Leafs | Improved shooting during camp resulted in record goals. |
| Quinn Hughes | Vancouver Canucks | Enhanced defensive skills led to all-star selection. |
First-Hand Experience: Player Testimonials
Many players share their training camp experiences as crucial to their development:
“Training camp is where you really find your identity as a player. It’s intense, but it’s where you grow the most.” – Jake McCabe
“Every practice is a chance to impress the coaches and show what you can do.” – Darnell Nurse
Looking Ahead: What to Expect from This Season
The upcoming NHL season promises exciting developments based on the training camp highlights. Teams are strategizing while players are honing their skills, setting the stage for a memorable season ahead.
