Defenseman Charlie McAvoy skated in his second practice with the team on Tuesday. Though his status for Wednesday's game is not yet confirmed, the blueliner is getting excited for the possibility of making his NHL debut.
After two practices, Cassidy has a better sense of the young defenseman, but still won't be able to fully see his potential until he gets into game action.
"I think he's a player we've got to see in a game to truly evaluate," said Cassidy. "[We] practiced for half an hour [today] - we put him on the power play to try and evaluate his composure level up there, even though it's only practice, and what he sees, and he looked good. He was moving the puck well again today."
"We haven't done a lot of high end competition, one-on-one battles, because at this time of the year we want to be as fresh as possible, so that's the area, until you see him in a game against men, will play out," said Cassidy.
Before practice began, Cassidy spoke with McAvoy one-on-one.
"[We talked a] little bit about playing his game. [That] it's OK to be nervous - well, he doesn't look like the nervous type, I don't think that will be a big issue. Told him to just play hockey. He's coming in, in a little different circumstance and he shouldn't overthink it," said Cassidy.
"We talked about who his partner might be. [On Monday] it was Liles, today it was Zee, the difference between those two players, and that was about it, just more of a getting to know," said Cassidy. "So, as much as anything, tried to get him comfortable with the coach, and if he has questions, feel free to come and talk to us, whether it's me or Jay [Pandolfo] or Joe [Sacc]."
