MLive’s Ansar Khan posted a brief article discussing the reasons why the Red Wings are holding a summer development camp this year, per quotes from GM Steve Yzerman and director of amateur scouting Kris Draper:
“More so for the younger kids that maybe haven’t been around a college program or a European pro program, they get a chance to come in, work with our skating people, our skills people, our fitness people to really make sure they’re on a good program, if they’re not already, for their offseason. We talk about strengths and weaknesses, things we really want them to focus on. And then kind of send them on their way for the rest of the summer. We may not see some of them in Detroit until the following development camp. Mostly it’s a great chance to spend 4-5 days with them, them get to know us and vice-versa.”
Yzerman knows the first-round picks well, having scouted them extensively. Development camp provides him an opportunity to meet many others for the first time, prospects that only the area scouts have seen and met.
“I’m excited about it,” Yzerman said. “I’ll get a chance to see some of these other kids and meet them in person and get to know them. It’s another step in the process.”
It’s important for players and staff to utilize this time.
“It’s been a different couple years for everybody, and obviously these young hockey players as well,” director of amateur scouting Kris Draper said. “We get to bring them into Detroit and have a team meal and bring all our prospects in and do it the right way, do it normal at development camp.”
