Bahl, who trained in the off-season with such NHLers as John Tavares and Bo Horvat, adapted his training style to better meet his goals of staying strong while adding speed. Combined with that training, he followed a strict nutrition program provided by a catering service.
"My trainer back home set up a catering service. That was definitely a big investment in me," he said. "As an athlete, or any person, it's investing in yourself. For me, it was that or going to the gym and paying to get skates in. I definitely did a lot more 'investing in myself' this summer."
The results have translated onto the ice. Bahl's skating looks much improved, both in terms of speed as well as pivoting and edge work. That has allowed him to keep pace with faster skaters.
"If you're matching speeds, you're rarely going to get beat," he said. "The biggest key to success is closing gaps. Always be close and always be matching speed and you'll never get beat."
The swifter and nimbler Bahl still has his size, strength and long reach. So, while he's faster (thank to hauling less weight), he didn't have to sacrifice any power.
Bahl has been one of the team's more consistent performers during the preseason. Through three games he is a plus-1 and has been relied upon in crucial situations. In all three games he's played, the coaching staff placed him on the ice in the final minute while the Devils were protecting a lead. And all three times, the Devils held on for victories.
"He's played well," head coach Lindy Ruff said. "I just need him to keep a high level of compete. Keep playing with an edge, keep moving the puck well, use your size, which he has. We know that his size and reach is something that's really tough on the opposition."
There's no secret that Bahl is in competition for a spot on the Devils roster. While six positions are locked in by Dougie Hamilton, Jonas Siegenthaler, Ryan Graves, Damon Severson, John Marino and Brendan Smith, there is a seventh spot available. Bahl has been angling for that spot.
"I've definitely been showing what I wanted to show," he said of training camp. "It's think it's going well so far. I had a big summer coming into this. I did a lot of preparation coming into this camp and I think I've been doing pretty well."
One asset that Bahl has in his pocket is an ability to play on his offside. The left-handed defenseman played nearly 30 games on the right side with Utica of the American Hockey League last season. The flexibility to play both defensive positions makes him a valuable asset for the Devils.
"Looking back, I'm happy I got to play the right side last year and got some experience there," he said. "They kept me around on the right side, they liked how I played, and I just have to keep it rolling."
That swing ability makes Bahl a perfect fit for the seventh D-man to keep on the roster. But Bahl won't be happy just being the seventh man. He wants to play. And, in fact, he has gotten a lot of game and practice reps with Marino as a potential partner.
With two preseason games remaining, the Devils coaching staff and management have a lot of decisions to make in regards to their roster. Bahl is trying to work his way into the lineup. And that work began with a commitment in the summer to himself.
"These preseason games are like a tryout. I just have to go out there and do my best," Bahl said. "I've been working all summer for this. I just have to put it all on the table these last couple of games."
