"For the first two games we built ghost rosters if you will, completing the Calgary roster right away and leaving spots open for players that performed well and deserved a secondary opportunity." That [Benson, McLeod, Yamamoto] group as three has been quite good and they deserve another night."
More pre-season reps earns players like McLeod an opportunity to utilize their early motivation in adapting to a faster, much more skilled NHL game.
"He's doing some really good things offensively, but like most players he has some things to learn defensively," McLellan said of the Mississauga Steelheads centre. "But he's astute, his eyes and ears are wide open, he's asking questions. "To me there's no fear in his game right now and he's not afraid to be here, and that's why he's showing well."
PATIENCE PREVAILS FOR SAFIN
Two weeks on the sidelines during Oilers Rookie Camp can feel like an eternity.
But right-winger Safin used a lack of time on the ice due to a hip flexor issue as a positive this Main Camp as he prepares to make his pre-season debut.
"Right now, I feel really great because I got two weeks off with no practice or nothing," said the 6-foot-5 Czech forward. "It's hard when you're not practicing for two weeks and nothing can help it. The doctors and trainers helped me a lot so I'm very grateful and ready to go."
The Saint John Sea Dogs forward registered 58 points (26 G, 32A) in 61 games and is slated to start against the Canucks tonight on a line with Marody and Ty Rattie, who will bring a smaller but albeit veteran presence to the offensive unit.
"I don't know how [Rattie] plays or what type of player he is, but I'm really excited to play with him and Cooper so we'll see what happens," Safin said. "Cooper is a really great player and great playmaker, so I think it'll be good to play with him.
-- Jamie Umbach, EdmontonOilers.com
