NHL Training Camp Update: 1

TRAINING CAMP INVITE UPDATE: September 2nd 

Steve Bégin Has Agreed To Attend Vancouver Canucks Training Camp On A Try-Out Basis PattyB Thoughts: Steve Bégin had this to say: "I'm really happy. It's a last chance for me and I need to make the most of it." That quote makes it pretty obvious to me that he is going to push as hard he possibly can to make this team because if he doesn't it sounds as though he might consider retirement. My Prediction: He will be a real contender to make the team, but will ultimately get cut. Despite that, I think its very possible he gets a contract, but only if he accepts a two-way deal. David Koci Has Agreed To Attend Winnipeg Jets Training Camp On A Try-Out Basis PattyB Thoughts: David Koci has not had an easy time sticking with one organization throughout his career as he has been on six clubs in his NHL tenure. He is really hoping to pull out an NHL contract for this upcoming season, but if he is not able to earn one he will probably join an AHL club on a minor league deal. My Prediction: The Jets looked to increase their toughness heading into the off-season, and they thought that they had achieved that, but with the extremely sad and unfortunate passing of Rick Rypien they still feel as though they need some more grit. They have decided to bring Koci in on a try-out to see if he can fill that void and in my opinion the Jets will be handing him a contract, whether it be a two-way deal or not, at the end of training camp. Manny Legace Has Agreed To Attend Vancouver Canucks Training Camp On A Try-Out Basis PattyB Thoughts: Just six years ago Manny Legace was an all-star goaltender in the NHL, but unfortunately since then things have not been going his way. His last time on NHL ice in any capacity was last year during training camp where the Islanders invited him in on a try-out, but he ended up not getting signed and played in Germany. With his hope at returning to the NHL looking bleak, this opportunity to show himself to all thirty teams will be extremely important. My Prediction: He has no shot at making the Canucks, this was a favor done by the club to give Legace a chance to face some NHL action and get back into shape, as well as maybe catch the eyes of some other teams around the league. The Canucks are also doing this to meet requirements that are set by the National Hockey League on pre-season games, which say they must dress eight veteran players for each game.