The Traverse City Record-Eagle’s Jordan Puente filed a morning article which covers the basics surrounding the opening of training camp here in Traverse City:
[David] Perron played and helped lead the St. Louis Blues to their first Stanley Cup in 51 years. He’s aware that coming into a new team takes time to build chemistry with the players. Perron joked that coaches were eager to get started days before.
“All the coaches I’m sure had many opportunities but picked to come here. They are excited to help this team take the next step, and the same thing for me,” Perron said.
After signing with Detroit, Perron kept an eye to see which players the Red Wings had on the roster, but he didn’t expect to be with old teammates from St. Louis.
“It makes the transition easier when I saw who got traded and signed a few days before, and I saw there was an opportunity for me,” Perron said. “At the end of the day, I’ve been in different situations throughout my career where I did not know anyone or I knew some guys, but I am excited to join a group and hearing Steve talk all that stuff. Hopefully the dog days are over.”
[GM Steve] Yzerman hopes those days are over too. Players during camp on Thursday played with an energy that had fans excited for what’s to come. Some were in awe of the players who would crash each other into the boards this early.
“You can tell in today’s practice how there is a lot of energy, and there’s been a lot of buzz — even at the rink for the last two weeks,” goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic said. “Very intense practice. Very high pace and high energy. I think that’s what you are going to see throughout the year.”
