Penguins prospect camp starts on July 14th

Penguins prospect camp starts on July 14th

As with every season the Penguins are holding a prospect and development camp this July. This year it is starting on July 14th and finish on the 18th and, as usual, their top prospects will be there along with a number of invites from different walks of the game. Whilst this isn't a place where you can decide whether a player is ready to join the team due to the lack of real games, it is a chance to see where players are at in their skill and mindset.

Recently acquired  Tyler Biggs, part of the Phil Kessel trade, will be there but unable to skate due to injury. As will Scott Wilson. This year there are 37 players attending, that numbers includes the 2015 drafted players. New Wilkes-Barre Scranton coach Mike Sullivan will run the camp and it makes sense as he'll be the first to feel the benefits of most of the players, if at all.

The Penguins have a number of prospects playing in the NCAA and that number was augmented with 2 of the Penguins 4 players playing there next season. Continuing this trend the Penguins invited 5 players from the NCAA to attend the camp along with 1 from the CHL and 1 from the BCHL.

Only one of the invited players is under 20 with most being in their last year of NCAA eligibility next season. There is a possibility they could move early if they make the grade of course but that is unlikely. The idea being the Penguins selecting slightly older players in the draft and for camp is that they want these players ready sooner. We're in win now mode and it makes sense to get an impact quicker.

Jonathan Bombulie made some good notes on the players attending, available to read here. The players to keep an eye most for me are Sundqvist, Simon and Murray. Sundqvist will be no doubt targeting that fourth line center spot in the pre-season camp. Dominik Simon is playing men's hockey in the Czech Republic and whilst he won't get a spot this season, a good season could see him move over next year.

Lastly, Murray. Last season he broke records and was an outstanding player. Having a strong goaltender prospect such as him is a real asset and hopefully he will be able to have a season just as successful. I wouldn't be surprised to see him make an appearance if Fleury or Zatkoff are injured. The AHL is where he should start this season though.

In all, the Penguins will get a good look at the players next week. If there's anyone that takes their fancy then they will no doubt enquire. The pre-season camp will be worth watching though to see if any break through.