McKenna leads rookies to watch as NHL camps open
A Sportsnet scouting analysis identifies 21 prospects with a chance to win jobs, led by Toronto's No. 1 pick and San Jose's top selection.
NHL training camps open this week, and a Sportsnet scouting analysis highlighted 21 prospects with a chance to win roster spots. Opportunity, physical readiness and the ability to handle different roles will shape those decisions.
Toronto's Gavin McKenna tops the group. After adding strength between the end of his season at Penn State and the draft combine, the first overall pick could force his way into an elevated role, potentially alongside Auston Matthews.
San Jose's second overall pick, Stenberg, already has professional experience in Sweden. He recorded 11 goals and 22 assists in 43 games there, then added four goals and four assists in eight games at the men's world championship.
On defence, Smits stands out as a candidate to make a quick transition. The 6-foot-3, 210-pound two-way defender has played professionally in Finland and Germany and represented Latvia at the world juniors, Olympics and World Championship.
Anaheim has two prospects in the mix. Klepov produced 37 goals and 60 assists with Saginaw of the OHL last season, while the 6-foot-6 McQueen could compete for an opening at centre.
Winnipeg's Bjorck and Yager both impressed at the Prospects Challenge in Gatineau. Bjorck can play centre or wing and handle multiple situations, while Yager looked stronger than a year ago and showed chemistry alongside him.
New Jersey defenceman Silayev brings a different profile at 6-foot-7 and 211 pounds. Bonk, Chicago prospect Kantserov and Utah goaltender Cossa are among the other players on the 21-name list.
The group will not all break camp in the NHL, but each enters the week with a credible case for a roster spot.
