Twenty-two Lightning hopefuls will participate in a camp and tournament in Michigan.
By TOM JONES
Published September 10, 2004
The Lightning's defense of the Stanley Cup begins today. Well, sort of.
Twenty-two prospects, including 2004 first-round pick Andy Rogers, will participate in a five-day rookie camp and tournament in Traverse City, Mich. None are expected to start the season with the Lightning, but after this camp, a few could attend next week's opening of Lightning training camp, assuming there is one. That seems unlikely because NHL owners are expected to lock out the players, shutting down all NHL camps.
Still, Lightning general manager Jay Feaster said this is a chance for prospects to open eyes, especially because prospects from the Red Wings and Blues also will be in the tournament.
"I think it's real important to see how they stack up against other players from other organizations," Feaster said. "And some of these guys will be turning pro this year and it will be a good opportunity to see where they are."
Important for the Lightning, as well, is having its own minor-league affiliate this season, something it hasn't had since 2001. That camp begins today.
"It's huge," Feaster said. "Before this, our development was on life support. We need our guys playing with our own coach in our own system. There is no other way to do it. Their training camp will be run exactly the same as ours. We'll use the same off-ice testing, the system they play will be the same as ours and when a player gets called up (to the NHL), he will be able to hit the ground running."
In other Lightning news, Feaster said he is continuing negotiations with free agents Dave Andreychuk and Martin St. Louis. Andreychuk is an unrestricted free agent free to negotiate with any team, but he has said he has no intention of leaving the Lightning. St. Louis is a restricted free agent and is seeking a long-term deal.
Talks with both, particularly with St. Louis, have stalled, however, because of the uncertainty of a new collective bargaining agreement.
ROOKIE CAMP SCHEDULE
TODAY: Practice, 10:30 a.m.; game vs. St. Louis, 7
