Some news and highlights of the development camps of the eastern Canadian franchises. Fans will watch with bated breath. Has Montreal found its future top pair on defense? Has Toronto finally found the quality depth they’ve been longing for; will they be able to develop it? Will Ottawa find a way to improve its prospect depth? 

Montreal Canadiens 

The Canadiens finished their 4-day development camp with the traditional Red vs White Scrimmages. Seeing the stands full, during business hours, on a Tuesday, just demonstrates the passion the fans have for the team 

Thibaud Chatel who covers the Swiss hockey league (NL) and followed David Reinbacher, joined TSN’s morning show and shared that his potential floor, as in the worst he’s expected to become, is a second-pairing defenseman. What is tantalizing for Habs fans, is that he rates the Austrian-born defender as a potential superstar.  

Not one to allow the spotlight to remain on him, the 2023 5th overall pick had glowing praise for his defensive partner from camp, Lane Hutson. “You get the puck, skate it out a little bit, then you give it to him and just start watching,” said Reinbacher. “He’s probably the next Cale Makar.” The 19-year-old Boston University star has a long way to go to be compared to one of the best defensemen in the world. Players have received classes in off-ice training, nutrition, and handling the media. How they can deal with social media, and more. Now they have their training programs in hand, and they will now return to their summer homes to train for the upcoming season. 

Toronto Maple Leafs 

Hayley Wickenheiser, the Maple Leafs’ Assistant General Manager of Player Development, along with her staff, will oversee this year’s camp again this season. Apart from the Maple Leafs’ draft picks, the roster includes one player signed to an NHL contract, Braeden Kressler, as well as two players signed to AHL contracts, Luke Cavallin and Jonny Tychonick. Additionally, the Maple Leafs have invited 23 free agents to participate. 

Anyone can cook🧑🏻‍🍳@MapleLeafs first round pick Easton Cowan and company in action on Day 1 of development camp.

Incredibly grateful to be on site capturing content. pic.twitter.com/xd70Ppdv0Q

— Josh Kim📸 (@joshkim_) July 3, 2023

The big attraction is Toronto’s top pick in 2023, London Knights forward Easton Cowan, selected 28th overall. The 18-year-old was asked to describe his style of play. “I think I’m a 200-foot player. I like to hound pucks,” said Cowan, describing the type of player he is. “I like to use my skating ability and hockey sense to create plays along the ice, and I like to lead on and off the ice by example.” 

Leaf fans should be excited to see what he could become. They’ve been needing a new “anointed one” since Nick Robertson. But Cowan is a highly creative forward who creates with speed and quick hands. He thinks the game at a high level, and that will be key to whether he becomes a part-time NHL or a full-time middle six threat 

Not much has gone on beyond some on-ice drills so far as camp goes for the remainder of the week.  

Grade the Leafs offseason (so far) 📝#LeafsForever | #NHLFreeAgency pic.twitter.com/wVMLt3rGVR

— NHL Network (@NHLNetwork) July 4, 2023

Good: I like Bertuzzi’s signing as a replacement to Bunting, he brings the same offenseLeafs’ but adds the grit the 27-year-old sophomore lacked. Domi is a solid, and affordable replacement for Kerfoot. Bad: Is Klingberg an upgrade on Gustafsson? Maybe, but is that difference worth over $3 million? No. Development camp will continue until July 8th. Leaving fans starved for their team until Rookie camp opens in September. 

Ottawa Senators 

The Ottawa Senators development camp started on Sunday, July 2nd, and will run until Thursday, July 6th at the Canadian Tire Centre and Bell Sensplex. There are 36 players – four goaltenders, 14 defencemen, and 18 forwards – attending. But 50% of the roster is attending on a tryout basis, which is a bit unusual. Sure, you normally see some arrive on a try-out basis, but fully half of a camp being in for tryouts? That’s abnormal. Four of the five players selected in the draft at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena will be among the 36 participants in the development camp that began on July 2nd and will go until July 6th.  

#Sens Dev Camp Day ✌️ pic.twitter.com/mRVgA1SW3o

— Ottawa Senators (@Senators) July 3, 2023

All eyes are on returnee, Tyler Boucher who was the 10th overall selection in 2021. Some say he was taken far too early in the 2021 draft. But with his size and style of play, the Sens are hoping he remains healthy and wins a spot in their bottom six. They’ll need a full summer of training to prepare their youth to compete with their division rivals