Bowman trying to impress

Snubbed by USA Hockey for last year's World Junior team, Drayson Bowman has a chance to impress at this week's evaluation camp in Lake Placid, N.Y.

Bowman, who signed an entry-level contract with the Canes last week, told nhl.com he doesn't hold a grudge — but he doesn't expect to be left behind again, either.

"Hopefully, they still feel like they made a mistake and, if not, I'll just try to prove my case again this year that they should put me on the team," Bowman said

U.S. World Junior coach Ron Rolston:

"Drayson has certainly has gotten comfortable in the role he plays out in Spokane and is gifted in scoring goals and creating offense. I'm not surprised by it. I've watched him develop over the past four years. He's certainly very gifted.

"He had that ability a couple of years ago, but it was just a matter of gaining his confidence where he was at and the level that he was playing at."

While the Canes will give Bowman a chance to make their roster out of camp, it's probably going to take a trade or major injury to open up a spot. More likely, he'll be back with Spokane (WHL), gunning for the U.S. roster spot he was denied last season. If he plays at the same level, it would be impossible to leave him off this time around.