D-CAMP NOTEBOOK: It's about 'the little details' for Samoskevich

CORAL SPRINGS, Fla. - Mackie Samoskevich has been waiting a while for this.
Due to COVID-19, Development Camp did not happen last year as it usually does. Samoskevich, who was taken by the Panthers in the first round (24th overall) of the 2021 NHL Draft, is soaking up every second of his first development camp with the organization throughout this week at the Panthers IceDen.

"It's a blast," he said after Tuesday's on-ice session. "I've loved my first couple days here. It's a great group of guys, and the coaching staff is unbelievable. Just from the two days I've been here, I feel like I've gotten a lot better. The pace is really high, and I think that's helping me."
Worth the wait?
"Definitely," he smiled. "It's nice to finally get down here and meet everybody. It definitely was a long year and I wanted to get down here, for sure. It's really nice to finally meet everyone here."
Even though this is his first trip to the Sunshine State, fans are likely already very familiar with Samoskevich after watching him star as a freshman at Michigan this past season. Even on a team loaded with first-round picks - seven, to be exact - the 19-year-old managed to stand out.
Fifth in scoring among Wolverines forwards, Samoskevich registered 29 points (10 goals, 19 assists) in 40 games during his first collegiate campaign, including a three-game span from Jan. 28 through Feb. 11 in which he complied seven points (two goals, five assists) in three games.
Playing a key role in helping Michigan advance all the way to the 2022 NCAA Championship Game, Samoskevich carved out a spot for himself on the illustrious B1G All-Freshman Team.
"I thought it was a great season," Samoskevich said. "We had such a great team. All the guys there are such great players. It was great to learn from those guys. You definitely like to be around such high-talented players and such great people, too. I definitely grew a lot throughout the year and am definitely looking forward to next year. I think we'll be an even better team."
But before he heads back to Ann Arbor to begin his sophomore season in the fall, Samoskevich plans to use this week's camp to work on what he generalizes as the "little details" in his game.
As he inches closer to the NHL, he feels all those small improvements will eventually add up.
"I was talking to a coach out there, and he said something about D and making sure your head-check is here," said Samoskevich, recalling a valuable tidbit he'd picked up during the latest practice. "It's little things like that. He said that in the NHL, that's how it is. Just learning little things is helping a ton so when I do get there one day it'll make that transition a little easier."
FEELING GUZ
You can't teach Mack Guzda's biggest asset - size.
Taking up most of the crease at 6-foot-5 and 216 pounds, the 21-year-old goaltender has been standing out early on in camp not only for his large frame, but also his agility between the pipes.
"I'm just trying to go through this week and take in as much as I can and then go back [home] this summer, take those things I need to work on and improve as much as I can," said Guzda of his outlook for his time at camp. "Everything about being a part of this organization is exciting."
While many players attending this week's camp will head back to their respective junior clubs next season, Guzda has his sights set on a job in the professional ranks in 2022-23. Going from being undrafted to a coveted free agent in just a few years, he reportedly spurned several other suitors in favor of signing a three-year, entry-level contract with the Panthers back in February.
Since putting pen to paper, Guzda has been under the watchful eye of Florida's innovative Goaltending Excellence Department, which is headed by Hall of Famer Roberto Luongo.
"It's been great," Guzda said when asked about his first five or so months in Florida's pipeline. "It was obviously a dream come true [to sign my first NHL contract]. The goaltending department here is really pretty extensive. There are a lot of really good resources. I'm really enjoying it."
Looking at Guzda's final season in juniors, it's obvious why the Panthers wanted him.
Going 20-9-2 after being traded from Owen Sound to Barrie in November, he finished his fourth and final season in the OHL with an outstanding 25-13-3 record, .915 save percentage and two shutouts. Also appearing in four playoff games for Barrie, he stopped 143 of 154 shots (.929%).
Raking in numerous accolades, he was the OHL's "Goaltender of the Week" on three separate occasions, while also earning "Goaltender of the Month" honors in both December and January.
"I had a big year in Barrie," said Guzda, who finished with an 83-58-19 career OHL record. "I made a lot of steps forward. I didn't play at all the year before, so it was really nice to be playing again. Lots to work on moving forward, just getting in the gym, getting stronger. Going from junior to pro, it's a big adjustment. Getting stronger and in better shape this summer, for sure."
Seeing firsthand what it takes to succeed at the pro level, Guzda spent time with Florida's AHL affiliate in Charlotte not long after he wrapped up his final campaign with the Colts in mid-May.
Hoping to land a spot in either the ECHL or AHL during the upcoming season, Guzda said he picked up plenty of useful tips and tricks during his time with the Checkers for the road ahead.
"That was a really good experience, just seeing what it takes to play at that level, seeing what it's like, seeing what travel's like, seeing how pros carry themselves, all of that stuff," he said. "Then on the ice, too, getting to work with [Charlotte goaltending coach Leo Luongo] a bit and starting to build that relationship and getting some things that I can work on over the summer."
UENS MAKING STRIDES
Like Guzda, Zach Uens already has the mindset of a pro.
After registering 44 points (seven goals, 37 assists) over three seasons at Merrimack, the 21-year-old defenseman inked a three-year, entry-level contract with Florida on March 16, 2022.
Reporting right to the AHL, he went on to suit up in six games with the Checkers.
"It was a really cool experience," said Uens, who the Panthers scooped up in the fourth round (105th overall) of the 2020 NHL Draft. "Obviously Charlotte had a great team. I was able to join and play a couple of games and get acclimated to that and then see some great playoff hockey. We had a really good team, and it was good for development. It helps me take that next step."
During that short stint in the AHL, he learned a lot about speed - both physical and mental.
"Everything needs to be bigger, faster and stronger," said Uens, who specifically pointed out how much quicker decisions need to be made on the ice in the pros. "And then it's just taking control and trying to bring both sides to my [overall] game. I think it'll help get there next year."
Keeping his brain active off the ice as well, Uens still plans to continue his education despite moving on from Merrimack after his junior season. By his estimation, he needs to take roughly six or seven more courses over this summer and the fall to get his degree in business finance.
Of course, it's OK to put the books down for a bit this week.
"This is my first time in Florida," said Uens, who is attending his first camp of any kind with the Panthers. "We're on the beach, so you can't really complain about much. Meeting everybody and all the coaching staff, it's been awesome so far."