[Dave]

Alright, folks, the first week of training camp have settled, and the first cuts have been made. Here is the comprehensive list: as per the Flyers media release:

Forwards (3):
Colin Fraser to the Red Deer Rebels of the Western Hockey League
Rick Kozak to the Brandon Wheat Kings of the Western Hockey League
Stefan Ruzicka to the Owen Sound Attack of the Ontario Hockey League

Defensemen (2):
Nikita Korovkin to the Kamloops Blazers of the Western Hockey League
Alexandre Picard to the Halifax Mooseheads of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League

Goaltenders (2):
Rejean Beauchemin to the Prince Albert Raiders of the Western Hockey League
David Tremblay to the Hull Olympiques of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League

Karl Gagne has been released from his tryout contract.

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Really, no big surprises here. Korovkin, coming off of a surprisingly great season with Kamloops, really didn't stand out behind the other defensive prospects. Ruzicka, a 3rd rounder from 2003 that some believe could be a promising sleeper pick, looked impressive in camp, but without a doubt needs to start his career in the OHL.

You might notice that first rounders Jeff Carter and Mike Richards don't appear on the cuts this week. While they have looked impressive in camp (to both myself, and others I have talked to), take this with a grain of salt. It's very likely Carter and Richards will be sent back to their junior clubs after the first preseason games (vs. New Jersey and vs. Washington in London, Ont.), just so they can get a taste of "real" NHL competition.

[TheSwami]

Great Read! Keep 'em coming!!