Anas Continues Strong Camp at Scrimmage

ST. PAUL -- As the only skater at the Wild's Development Camp with a full year of professional hockey under his belt, Sam Anas said he approached this week as one that could help put him on the map for training camp in September.
During a conference call recapping the first day of free agency two weeks ago, Wild General Manager Chuck Fletcher mentioned Anas as a player he expects to compete for a roster spot this fall.

Anas showed well for himself in the first scrimmage of camp, scoring twice and helping Team Green to a 5-3 win at Xcel Energy Center on Tuesday afternoon.

After scoring on a penalty shot early in the scrimmage, Anas finished off a rush chance following a nice pass by Avery Peterson. The play began in the defensive zone, and was one that has shown how far Anas has come in the last year.
"I was happier and I think Coach [Derek] Lalonde was happier with how the play started in the d-zone and having a good shift down there," Anas said. "It led to a turnover and led to a goal."
After establishing himself as one of the premier offensive players in college hockey two years ago at Quinnipiac, Anas signed with the Wild last summer. He found the adjustment to the professional game a tough one, especially in the defensive zone.
Anas was a minus-17 last season, the worst number on the team in Iowa, but much of that damage was done in the first few months of the season as the team struggled as a whole.
"There were times he was not very efficient defensively, and it cost him," Lalonde said. "I know it wore on him badly, and I think mentally, it just wore on him all year. He kept finding ways to get minus-1, minus-2. I think he felt like he let the team down a little bit."
It's not unusual for a player to struggle as a first-year pro. Lalonde said Anas has had tough years in each of his first seasons at both the junior hockey and college hockey levels, before rebounding and becoming an elite player at each level.
The hope is that he can do it again with Iowa this season, or perhaps even make a push for a roster spot in Minnesota with a strong training camp.
"He had a fine year last year ... but it was hard on him. He struggled. He was learning how to survive last year," Lalonde said. "You just hope he's taken the right step forward and I think he has."
Anas improved as the season progressed last season, and Lalonde said he's seen him take off this week where he left off in March and April. His 12 goals was third-most on the team a year ago, and a big jump in 2017-18 could be in the cards.
"At any level, experience always matters," Anas said. "I think it was a tough start to the year, getting a concussion in Traverse City and losing a bit of confidence. As the year went, I felt more and more comfortable, especially with the system.
"I don't necessarily look at [reaching the NHL] as a long-term goal, I just kind of take it day-by day. I think when you accomplish your day-by-day goals, the long-term stuff comes."

Camp legs

Among the challenges for all players at Tuesday's scrimmage was a battle against their legs.
While staying in good shape isn't difficult for most players, staying in game shape -- especially in the middle of July -- can prove more difficult.
After two days of practice-type drills and sessions, Tuesday marked the first time in two or three months players participated in a game situation.
"We were all catching our breath there in the locker room," said camp invitee Leon Bristedt, a senior-to-be at the University of Minnesota. "We tried to skate as fast as we can, and we're used to skating fast, but since we're not in season, we're not used to it. Our mind thinks we can, but our legs say 'no.'"

Gopher reunion

Bristedt was one of several current or former Gophers on the ice and at camp this week.
Justin Kloos, who finished the season in Iowa last season after his senior campaign with the U came to an end, scored a goal for Team White.
Other players with Gopher ties included Team White defenseman Jack Sadek and future Gopher Sam Huff of Maple Grove. Wild defenseman Mike Reilly, another former Gopher, was seen in the hallway outside the dressing rooms chatting with players after the scrimmage.
Bristedt was credited with the scrimmage's first goal after a nifty re-direction by Huff.
"I still see the guys a lot around campus," Kloos said. "It's good to see some familiar guys out there and see they are progressing as well with their games."

Winding down

The 2017 version of Wild Development Camp has just two days remaining. The prospects will return to the ice at 9:20 a.m. on Wednesday for another day of workouts before Teams White and Green convene for a final scrimmage at 5 p.m. on Thursday.
The scrimmage -- which will be live streamed on Wild.com -- is free and open to the public, and is part of an evening of festivities in downtown St. Paul. After the scrimmage, the team will host a block party at the Seven Corners parking lot (150 Smith Ave. N., Saint Paul, 55102), across West Seventh Street from Xcel Energy Center.
The Wild Block Party will feature appearances by Wild players Jared Spurgeon and Tyler Ennis as well as prospects Sam Anas, Jordan Greenway and Luke Kunin . The event's festivities will include a DJ, local food trucks, beverage stations, and numerous interactive games and outdoor activities. The Hockey Lodge and State of Hockey will be on hand to offer apparel and other merchandise selections, and media partners FOX Sports North and KFAN 100.3 FM will also be on site.
Ennis and Spurgeon will sign autographs from 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Following Thursday's scrimmage, Anas, Greenway and Kunin will sign autographs at the Block Party from 7:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.
In the event of inclement weather, fans should stay tuned to wild.com and Wild social media accounts, including @mnwild on Twitter, for updates on the event.