- Harvey Fialkov of the Sun Sentinel: Panthers 2014 1st round pick Aaron Ekblad knows he has to earn is spot along their blueline.
“Obviously, I don’t expect a spot on this team. I have to earn it,” said Ekblad, who will participate in Canada World Juniors training camp in August. “This is just the first steppingstone to that goal. I don’t think until my first game I’ll feel that I’m finally here.”
Bryan McCabe (player development) on Ekblad.
“We certainly don’t want to rush any kids, but if he comes into camp and proves he can play we’re certainly not going to sent him back.”
- George Sipple of the Detroit Free Press: Red Wings GM Ken Holland stands by their philosophy of not rushing their young kids.
“Certainly when you’re a general manager and you make decisions, especially in this world today, we’re open for people to judge our decisions,” Holland said. “I’m OK with it. But I’m going to do what is in the best interest of the Red Wings. At the same time, I’m going to do what’s in the best interest of our young players. I’m not rushing young players.”
- Joe Haggerty: Sounding like Kevin Hayes won’t be signing with the Blackhawks according to someone close to him. The Avalanche and Predators could be the leading candidates.
- Elliotte Friedman: 2015 top draft prospect Jack Eichel has told Saint John of the QMJHL that he’ll be attending Boston University.