Training camp roster to take trim

The way general manager Jay Feaster explained it, training camp is going to be about dollars and sense.

By DAMIAN CRISTODERO
Published May 27, 2007

The way general manager Jay Feaster explained it, training camp is going to be about dollars and sense.

Only 26 players will be invited to camp, set to begin Sept. 13 at the Ice Sports Forum in Brandon - 28 fewer than last season.

Feaster said the plan, which could be tweaked depending on free-agent signings, will allow more intense and targeted training and be a warning to left-out minor-leaguers he believes have underperformed.

But he said lower housing, travel and food costs will help justify a $44-million payroll okayed last week by owner Bill Davidson.

"We're trying to be as responsible, as reasonable, as prudent as we can be in all areas of the operation, " Feaster said Saturday. "We're showing Mr. D that on our part, we're trying to funnel it all into player payroll as well."

Feaster said that is why the team decided not to have a summer rookie conditioning camp. It will return in September to an eight-team rookie camp in Traverse City, Mich., only because it already is committed.

Feaster said fewer players in the NHL camp, and working with so many who know the system and what is expected, will quicken the pace. He said he is not worried about forfeiting looks at players in the system.

"We don't have a lot of guys right now who deserve an opportunity to come into an NHL training camp, " Feaster said. "From now on, we don't think you can coast through an American Hockey League season. I'm tired of guys treating an American League season as if it doesn't matter. We always said it's a reward to be invited to an NHL camp. That's going to be real obvious to people this fall."

As for what may seem a lack of competition, Feaster said few jobs are open in any camp. Added coach John Tortorella, "There will be competition within the team. The numbers will stay the same but can be interchanged as far as bodies. There's always a way to push."

TAYLOR RETHINKS SURGERY: Captain Tim Taylor said he will rehab his right hip in hopes of avoiding major surgery that would require six months' recovery.

The procedure would shave the top of Taylor's femur and insert a metal hip socket to ease movement.

Taylor, 38, has said the surgery could end his career. With one year left on his contract, he said he would rather try cortisone shots, as he did with great success last season, to play a full season.

REMEMBERING RAMSAY: How did players react to the firing of associate coach Craig Ramsay?

"I'm absolutely shocked, " defenseman Dan Boyle said. "Wow. I'm his biggest fan. This is pretty crushing right now."

Said defenseman Nolan Pratt: "Craig Ramsay has done more for me as has anyone in hockey. That's how highly I think of him. He's made me a better player and better person. I hate to see him go."

PRATT RECOVERING: It has been only two weeks since Pratt's surgery for a pair of sports hernias, but he said he already is riding his bicycle. Pratt, who said he played hurt the last 10 weeks of the season, had surgery in Germany by Dr. Ulrike Muschaweck, whose technique of repair without cutting surrounding muscle is said to reduce recovery time.

[Last modified May 26, 2007, 23:35:54]