"You have to be good at defensively, it's just part of the game," he said. "But I like to jump up in the play, shoot the puck a lot, and just try to be an all-around solid player."
When he's engaged in a game and feeling at his best, he's being active on the offensive side of things.
"Spending little time in the d-zone always more fun," Tennyson said. "More fun for me, more fun for the team, obviously. It means you're doing well in the d-zone, which means you're playing on offense. More time [in the offensive zone is a good sign."
Tennyson's ability to move the puck and his propensity to make the simple plays have made a good impression on players around the Devils locker room.
"He's been great," said Michael McLeod. "He's a bigger guy and he's a good puck mover. He's been good at moving the puck up and kind of finding centers underneath and moving it up quick. He's here for a reason."
There are always surprises at NHL training camps. Young guys step up, top prospects show they need more seasoning, and veteran under-the-radar signings show they deserve more attention. Tennyson is providing healthy competition for the Devils and the leaders in the locker room love it.
"I think he's been fantastic," said Captain Andy Greene. "He's just made plays that are there. He doesn't overcomplicate things and he can make the plays. I think he's been skating really well and it's been good. That's what you need in camp and throughout the regular season. We need guys to push each other, we need surprises. We need guys that are going to step up here and push each other for jobs."
So far, Tennyson has done just that. He's pushed for a job. Now it's time to see how the roster shakes out.
