Posted late on Friday, here are my notes from Thursday’s and Friday’s practices in case you missed them.

And if you have been away from Canes hockey for the week and are just catching up, here are the other articles so far on the 2018 Carolina Hurricanes Prospect Camp:

My ‘what I’m watching’ preview for the week is HERE.

And my notes from Wednesday’s practice are HERE.

Saturday’s scrimmage presents the best opportunity to evaluate all of the prospects especially the 2018 draftees in a solid run game-like action. I say “game-like” because while the compete level will be high, checking is toned down a bit. In addition, the format is usually 4-on-4 and even some 3-on-3 which makes the game a bit more wide open than NHL hockey.

But nonetheless the scrimmage and the events around it represents hockey fun in the middle of a long hockey-less summer and a chance to see the future of the team.

Without further ado, here is ‘what I’m watching’ for Saturday’s scrimmage:

1) Andrei Svechnikov in action

He has shown skill and finishing in the drills during the week, but I am really looking forward to seeing what he can do in game-like action with some open ice. Saturday represents an opportunity to put an exclamation point on the and to launch into trying to win an NHL roster spot for the 2018-19 season.

2) Martin Necas

Somewhat like Svechnikov, Saturday represents a chance to show that he is in a different league than the younger prospect group. I am also curious to see and hopefully get a read on his shot. My hunch is that he has been spending time working on it just like he did after Friday’s practice.

3) Jack LaFontaine

If one player entered prospect camp with the need to make a statement, it might have been LaFontaine. He yielded the starting job at Michigan, had a light season ice time-wise and ultimately left to program to down shift to the BCHL. In short, the 2017-18 season was a setback for LaFontaine. So this week and especially Saturday represent the chance for LaFontaine to show that he is still a strong NHL prospect.

4) Can the offensive defenders defend?

I noted that Jake Bean and Adam Fox are both incredibly talented offensive defensemen for their age. The burning question with both is whether they can be adequate/competent defensively. Saturday represents a good opportunity to get a read on this especially with the challenging situation playing 4-on-4 and 3-on-3.

5) Luke Martin

He has impressed me this week. He has demonstrated a good, aggressive style of play stepping up to close gaps and in the process forcing forwards to go laterally. I will be watching to see if he can continue his strong defensive play on Saturday.

6) A chance to rise up for all

With the volume of players on the ice and the rapid fire nature of many of the drills, it is impossible to keep track of everything. For players who did not stand out this week yet, Saturday represents a chance to make a strong impression and boost a player’s standing.

What say you Canes fans?

What are you watching for at Saturday’s prospect scrimmage?

Go Canes!