The Nashville Predators 2009 Conditioning camp broke last night after one final dinner together. This time of learning and bonding is extremely beneficial to the baby Preds on many different levels.

For the first timers, it’s a chance to learn how to be a professional. What it takes to make the jump to the next level before you have to make it, learning how to elevate your game and how to manage your time. For the “vets” it’s a chance to show leadership and mentorship. How do they help the “new guys?” How do they show the way? These are critical things to observe in a potential team member.

On the ice, there were some surprises and some that elevated their status in the organization…

Nick Spaling – Every coach I spoke to a camp raved about his development, how he can be placed in any situation, his maturity. It would not surprise me one bit to see Spaling start the regular season in Nashville.

The Goaltenders – Once again the Predators scouting staff has done an outstanding job finding a lower round draft pick that may end up being a steal in Anders Lindback. The 6’6” Swede opened some eyes at camp. Chet Pickard has shown real growth in his game and Jeremy Smith showed very well, giving the Predators some very solid goaltending prospects for a few years to come. It should be a battle to see who ends up in Milwaukee this season.

Ryan Ellis – The Preds first pick this year did not disappoint. Several observers talked about his skill and his competitiveness, the best observation to me was the one of HockeyBuzz Radio’s photographer and PR maven, Denise McCann. She noted how much fun he was having on the ice, more so than any other player. It was an observation backed up by the coaches as well. I can see why Preds’ GM David Poile is so high on this kid.

Teemu Laakso – A solid camp for him elevated his status and brought him back to contention for a spot on the blueline in October. Laakso showed well on the ice and showed leadership off the ice as well. He will be in the mix at D in training camp.

Jonathon Blum – There was quite a bit of surprise as Blum looks to have grown… in stature and in his game. He has added bulk and a little height as well. I still expect him to start the season in Milwaukee, however, he could be one of the first defensive call-ups.

Zach Budish – Considering his recent recovery from an injured ACL, Budish showed very well at his first conditioning camp. He has size and showed he wasn’t afraid to use it. He skated well and showed very little rust after a long recovery period. He will bear watching during his season at University of Minnesota.

All-in-all a good camp as the talent level of Predator prospects continues to rise.

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I expect to see the regular season schedule released this week. There is a lot of rumblings about how difficult is ha been putting together this year’s schedule. Mostly because of the Olympic break in February.

Speaking of the Olympics… I do expect to see the Russian Hockey Federation get a little more interested in settling their differences with the NHL as the decision on the league's participation in the 2014 Olympics gets close. I also expect the NHL to harden their stance a bit as well as I sense the league getting tired of accomodating the break needed in order to continue participation in the Olympics. The Russian/NHL feud would make for a handy excuse.

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I should have the special HBR podcast from the development camp ready by tomorrow evening… it will feature interviews with David Poile, and several prospects including Ryan Ellis, Zach Budish, Ryan Thang and Blake Geoffrion.

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You are invited to follow me on Twitter. Search for PredPAPaul… Not only will I be updating when I get news or updates… I’ll also be updating during Pred home games in season with information and explanations from the PA box.

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HockeyBuzz Radio is on hiatus until October… we’ll be weighing on conditioning camp and may even put up a podcast or two during the summer. Keep checking in at www.hockeybuzzradio.com for the latest on the upcoming season and regular columns from hockey writer Mark McGee.

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