Stefen Rosner
The New York Islanders prospects may not have any of the NHL regulars on the ice with them during development camp but that does not mean that leadership is lacking at all.
Over the first three days at camp, former New York Islanders and longtime NHL defensemen Johnny Boychuk and Dennis Seidenberg have been helping out.
Johnny Boychuk, a physical, shot-blocking defenseman during his playing days, has been assisting Troy Stevens, a skills coach while Seidenberg, known for his passing and all-around strong play, has been working with skating coach Diane Ness.
Having these two on the ice to learn from is something that is appreciated.
“It’s amazing. It’s a huge opportunity for us guys to pick their brains,” 27-year-old Grant Hutton said. “I mean, they both had incredible NHL careers, and you never want to say someone’s been through it all, but those guys have experienced a lot in hockey, especially at the highest level. So any chance you get to have a guy like that on the ice with you and share some insight, you know, whether it be just mental stuff or positioning stuff, I mean, they’re really good at that and helping us.”
“So it’s been a huge benefit for everybody. And hopefully, they keep coming out.”
Recent New York Islanders draftee Isaiah George shared the same sentiments.
“Ah, they’re great guys,” George said. “Obviously, they have a lot of knowledge and NHL experience so like always listen to them and take their advice and see how they view things and different movements and skills on the ice.”
But they aren’t the only two leaders on the ice.
Grant Hutton is the oldest player at these development camps, and while the organization decided to have him be a part of these skates, he’s happy to be a part of it.
“It was one of those things where they just they want to be here early and yeah it was their decision,” Hutton said. “I think it was a really good decision.”
As for being a leader at camp for these young prospects, Hutton enjoys that role, but it doesn’t change the way he is going about his business.
“I mean, you’re a leader every day, you know, that’s, that’s what you want to do. That’s, that’s the way you should go about it, and try and lead, but just kind of let things fall into place and do your job.”
Prspect Isaiah George shared that Hutton has “kept it loose”.
“He’s made it more comfortable, and you’re out on the ice in the locker room as well. So I just made it easy transition and my time here. Pretty nice.
Despite being the oldest one at the development camp, Hutton made a point to explain that while the older you are, the more experience you may have, inexperience does not mean you still cannot be a leader.
“I think the cool part about this organization is everybody’s a leader in their own right. Like, I think it’s something they look for, and, and everybody here has different leadership qualities,” Hutton said. “So, like I said, everyone kind of leads in their own way. Everyone kind of picks each other up. And we’re all in this together.”
“There’s a lot of competition at camp…but at the same time, I mean, we’re all a part of the same organization. We all have the same goals. We all have the same dreams and aspirations. So it’s more of a work-together mentality.”
While these younger players may learn a lot from Hutton, it’s a two-way educational street.
“Absolutely. I was talking to Robin [Salo] the other day. Everyone has a different skill set. Everyone has different strengths. And you have to be able to take advantage of that,” Hutton shared. “Like me and Robin pick each other’s brains about stuff all the time. And, you know, it helps. It’s a good opportunity to learn, and as soon as you stop learning, you know, it may be the day that you don’t want to play anymore, right?”
“So every day is a learning opportunity. Every day is an opportunity to be the best version of yourself, and that’s what we’re going to try and do.”
