It appears a couple of teams at least believe that NHL training camps are getting close to getting underway as Timra of the Allsvenskan in Sweden announced that center Isac Lundestrom (Anaheim) and forward Jesper Boqvist (New Jersey) have both been recalled by their respective teams. It’s worth noting that both the Ducks and Devils were among the seven teams that didn’t see any action this summer and as a result, they are expected to be allowed to conduct an expanded training camp.
Lundestrom was the 23rd overall pick back in 2018 and has seen NHL action in both seasons since then. Last year, he played in 15 games with Anaheim where he had four assists but spent most of the year in the minors, picking up 21 points (6-15-21) in 43 games with AHL San Diego. He was able to produce in his time back home, collecting five goals and six helpers in just a dozen games.
As for Boqvist, he played 35 games with New Jersey last season, albeit in a limited role as he averaged a little less than 11 minutes per night. Not surprisingly, his offensive numbers suffered as a result as he had just four goals along the way. He was more productive with AHL Binghamton with 11 points (8-3-11) in 19 games and carried that over to Timra where he had three goals and seven assists in 13 games.
Both players are likely to contend for a regular spot in the lineup in training camp and this stint overseas which lasted a little over a month for each should certainly help their chances. If it appears that January 1st is going to be the start of next season, there should be a rash of recalls like these over the next couple of weeks.
Wooo!