Prospect Jacob Bernard-Docker and different younger Sens hopefuls going through stiff check in Jets

Veteran reporters used to seek advice from them pretty much as good “training camp stories.” 

These have been items that targeted on gamers who won’t even be on the scene when the group performs actual video games, however for now, are having a second. Good youngsters, lengthy photographs. 

Seven days into the Ottawa Senators camp, a number of gamers are having moments for a group that realistically doesn’t have quite a lot of spots open. Maybe one on the blueline? Although at this level it seems to be like a selection between veteran Nikita Zaitsev and the creating Erik Brannstrom for the sixth and closing place. 

Maybe one at ahead? Can Mark Kastelic earn a spot as fourth-line centre forward of holdover Dylan Gambrell? Could a younger pest like Ridly Greig begin forward of veteran pest Austin Watson?

These are all enjoyable camp questions, particularly in the event you disregard the chilly matter of one-way NHL contracts and waiver eligibility that comes into play when closing choices are made. 

On Tuesday, the Senators skated in Ottawa after which flew to Winnipeg to play the Jets later that evening with a roster chock stuffed with camp aspirants and hopefuls, starting from Mads Sogaard in purpose to Max Guenette on defence, and PTO ahead Derick Brassard. 

In truth, the defensive group within the lineup versus the Jets is filled with gamers making an attempt to make an impression, together with Brannstrom, Guenette, Lassi Thomson and Jacob Bernard-Docker. Of that group, Brannstrom has essentially the most NHL expertise, and it’s not shut. He has 116 NHL video games to 16 for Thomson and 13 for Bernard-Docker. Guenette has none, however performed effectively in 48 video games with AHL Belleville final season. 

Up entrance, the likes of Parker Kelly, Brassard, Egor Sokolov, Kastelic and Tyler Boucher have been among the many prospects making an attempt to comply with up on the 2 Saturday video games in Toronto with one other good exhibiting. Kelly, after all, seemingly already has the group made primarily based on his play for the Senators final season. 

Bernard-Docker, higher recognized round right here as JBD, is one defence candidate who seems to be far more snug coming into his third camp as an expert, since leaving the University of North Dakota in 2021. 

Asked to explain the distinction between the JBD of final fall versus the spring, he gave a terrific, concise reply: “I think it’s just being less timid.”

Less afraid to make errors, and rolling with them after they occur. He has carried that mindset into camp. 

“I think I found my game at the end of the year in Belleville and those games up in the NHL (eight) were nice just to kind of see where I was at,” Bernard-Docker stated. “This year, I’m just hoping to make that next step.”

Interestingly, JBD, who turned 22 in June, says he has a behavior of being cautious and cautious in his first 12 months at a brand new stage, whether or not it’s the bounce to NCAA or professional. In 58 AHL video games with Belleville final season, the six-foot Bernard Docker contributed two objectives, 9 factors and 22 penalty minutes. Having had a protracted summer time with which to coach, he seems to be and feels extra prepared, bodily and mentally. 

“Last summer (of 2021) was pretty short for me, with going to the worlds (winning gold with Canada) and coming out of college and playing those NHL games,” JBD stated. “This summer, I felt like I actually had three full months to train, so I am definitely feeling better physically.”

At 192, Bernard-Docker is listed as a few kilos heavier than final season. He seems to be extra stable. 

While he’s recognized for having a terrific stick in his defensive sport, Bernard-Docker doesn’t wish to be pigeon-holed into the defensive man, staying house whereas the likes of Chabot, Jake Sanderson and Brannstrom roam up ice.

“I think in the modern day NHL, you have got to be able to move the puck, you’ve got to be able to skate,” Bernard-Docker says. “I’m not going to be the man placing up loopy factors, however I do wish to contribute offensively after I can. 

JETS ICE VETERAN LINEUP

The Senators have been flying out on a sport day, one thing that might nearly by no means occur within the common season. It’s one of many causes head coach D.J. Smith was sending a younger lineup, sparing his veterans the inconvenience, and potential harm. He additionally feels youthful legs can deal with the calls for of a flight/sport state of affairs. 

With the Jets icing a robust roster on house ice, Smith likes the concept of testing his youngsters towards established NHLers. He will probably be wanting particularly on the gamers combating for spots in a backside six position. 

“It’s the perfect time to see who can do it and who can’t,” Smith stated. 

Realistically, although, the subsequent three video games will probably be checked out as markers for separating gamers, Smith stated. 

GREIG COULD PLAY ON WEEKEND

For the primary time in camp, ahead Ridly Greig skated in drills with no non-contact jersey. Greig injured his shoulder enjoying for Canada on the latest world junior championship. Smith says that if Greig continues to practise with out situation, he must be within the lineup both Friday in Belleville towards the Maple Leafs or Saturday in Ottawa, when the Montreal Canadiens go to. 

Typically, Greig was throwing his physique round on Tuesday, a superb signal that he’s bodily prepared. 

KASTELIC IMPRESSES EARLY 

It didn’t take Mark Kastelic lengthy to impress Senators employees. He completed second in bodily testing to Josh Norris, then went out and performed a terrific sport in Toronto on the weekend, scoring a giant purpose in Game 2 versus the Leafs. 

Smith says that if Kastelic, 23, was a bit older and extra skilled, he’d have made this group already primarily based on efficiency and energy. As it’s, the coaches and GM Pierre Dorion must determine what’s finest for Kastelic’s growth. A powerful bodily presence, Kastelic confirmed effectively in 16 video games with Ottawa final season, however may want extra seasoning within the AHL. 

“It’s going to come right down to the end for him and it’s a matter of how many minutes we can get him,” Smith stated after the Toronto video games. “He’s going to play within the NHL. He’s too massive, too sturdy and his will is simply too good  . . . it’s nearly what’s finest for his profession. Is is true now … two months in … Christmastime?

“The exhibition games can’t give us the exact timetable but I think we’ve got a really good one in him.”