NHL rookie camps set to start

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It's that time of year.

NHL rookie camps and tournaments get rolling this week as main camps and pre-season games inch closer.

There are a number of former Saint John Sea Dogs taking part in rookie camps this year — and one current Sea Dog in defenseman Matteo Mann.

Here's a look at who is heading where.

Calgary: Yan Kuznetsov and Jeremie Poirier

Los Angeles: Ryan Francis

Vancouver: Jonathan Lemieux  

New York Islanders: William Dufour and Vincent Sevigny 

Philadelphia: Matteo Mann

Pittsburgh: Raivis Ansons*

Florida: Riley Bezeau

Montreal: Joshua Roy

Ottawa: Philippe Daoust and Cole Burbidge

Toronto: William Villeneuve

Arizona: Cam MacDonald

Minnesota: Maxim Cajkovic

*Ansons was included on the Penguins' roster but is listed as injured.

Ryan Francis and Cam MacDonald will be trying out with new clubs after not signing with their previous NHL organizations. Francis, who spent last season with the AHL's Laval Rocket and ECHL's Trois-Rivieres Lions, will presumably be looking for a pro job somewhere. MacDonald will likely play his overage season in the QMJHL with the Cape Breton Eagles.

Former Sea Dogs draft picks Matthew Stienberg (Colorado) and Fedor Svechkov (Nashville) will also take part in rookie camps.

Note that the New York Islanders and Seattle Kraken have not released any info on rookie camps.

Here's a quick look at which teams will be playing in rookie tournaments this year.

• 2023 Rookie Faceoff (Sept. 15-18) — San Jose Sharks, Anaheim Ducks, Arizona Coyotes, Colorado Avalanche, Los Angeles Kings and Vegas Golden Knights in Las Vegas and Henderson.
• 2023 Young Stars Classic (Sept. 15-18) — Vancouver Canucks, Calgary Flames, Edmonton Oilers, and Winnipeg Jets in Penticton, BC.
• 2023 NHL Prospect Tournament (Sept. 14-17) — Columbus Blue Jackets, Toronto Maple Leafs, Detroit Red Wings and Dallas Stars in Traverse City, MI.
• 2023 Southeast Rookie Showcase (Sept. 15-18) — Florida Panthers, Tampa Bay Lightning, Carolina Hurricanes and Nashville Predators in Estero, FL.
• 2023 Tom Kurvers Prospect Showcase (Sept. 15-17) — Minnesota Wild, Chicago Blackhawks and St. Louis Blues in St. Paul, MN.
• 2023 Rookie Series (Sept. 15-16) — Philadelphia Flyers and New York Rangers in Allentown, PA.
• 2023 Prospects Challenge (Sept. 15-18) — Buffalo Sabres, Boston Bruins, Montreal Canadiens, New Jersey Devils, Ottawa Senators and Pittsburgh Penguins in Buffalo, NY.

The Athletic has a good rundown of all the rookie tournaments and upcoming international events involving prospects.

According to the league, over 50 current players from the QMJHL will attend NHL camps this year.