Riley Nash found the Canes' prospect conditioning camp both demanding and interesting.
After all, the center has twice attended the Edmonton Oilers' prospects camp after being drafted by the Oilers in the first round and being the 21st overall pick of the 2007 NHL Entry Draft. He saw the way the Edmonton staff did things. Now, he has seen another way of doing it.
"It's a totally different experience," Nash said today. "For me, not knowing the staff here, it was like an introduction to the whole organization.
"The off-ice here is pretty difficult. We worked pretty hard at that. The on-ice, there's a lot of skills and drills, and it was getting used to an NHL-type practice."
And at Edmonton?
"It was more skating and skills, on the ice for four hours a day and not as much work off the ice," he said. "It was almost the direct opposite of the on-ice, off-ice ratio."
The Canes obtained Nash's rights from the Oilers by trading away a second-round pick in this year's draft. Nash, 21, said he will decide in the next week or so whether he will sign a contract with the Canes or return to Cornell for his senior season.
Nash gave no hint today as to which way he was leaning. But he said he enjoyed his short association with the Canes' Ron Francis, a Hall of Famer who pushed for the team to make the trade with the Oilers and get Nash into the Canes' system.
"He's one of the greatest hockey players to ever play," Nash said. "It would be nice to have him showing me the way. But there are still a lot of decisions to be made and guys have to step up in their spots.
"If it comes to that point where he's helping me out, that would be awesome. If not, I'm sure the AHL staff will do a great job. I have all the faith and trust in this organization and it was just a really good week."
A Raleigh native, Chip has worked at the N&O since 1979 and is the Canes beat writer. He can be reached at
Comments
i hope
Mon, 07/12/2010 - 08:41 — esteban1949Nash returns to college in that way that will be done and IF after his contract would expire then he can or could go where he would want to ...but the guy is smart enough to know that IF he signed here,he'd be better off as player who can and will contribute more here than he could say up at Edmonton.
If It Ain't Hockey,It Ain't Nothing!! The New Checkers 3rd Jersey Rocks !!
It's a big decision...
Mon, 07/12/2010 - 08:02 — AllenH...for Nash. He was expecting to be back in school and then...
But if he's serious about a pro career, it's time to take it. He has done all the developing at Cornell he can, judging by putting up the same numbers since his freshman year. College is to prepare one for the future but if his is hockey, then the best next step is a year in the AHL. A Cornell/Ivy degree is a great thing and he can finish that in a couple of off-seasons or if a long career doesn't pan out, he'll have made enough $$$$ to finish the BA in comfort.
I really do not see
Sun, 07/11/2010 - 12:55 — Otag1I really do not see this as such a big decision for Nash.
If he feels that he can make an opening day roster spot and is willing to go back and forth to Charlotte he should sign a two way contract. More likely I see him going back to Cornell, play for the Big Red, then sign the contract after their season and report to the Checker's for a playoff run with the chance to get at least a call up to Raleigh. Then 2011 is his big chance.
Break Please
Sun, 07/11/2010 - 10:29 — rocheccwGive the kid a break. It is not an easy decision. He was all set to go to Cornell for his senior season, and get his degree. Then he gets traded to another team, who just happens to have some spots for young players open.
And it is the media giving him all this attention...It is not like he went looking for it.
Ditto
Sun, 07/11/2010 - 06:23 — gso_canes_fanThe guy is getting too much attention and I am sure he is a good hockey player but could become a Prima Donna
One hour decision show?
Sat, 07/10/2010 - 20:58 — wxray1Startin' to remind me of King Lebron. Maybe WRAL can have a "Decision" show this week when he finally makes up his mind.