The group included Kevin Korchinski, Connor Bedard, Logan Cooley and Matthew Knies.
Nearly 30 of the top NHL rookies and prospects attended the 13th NHLPA Rookie Showcase, which was held in Arlington, Virginia.
The main goal of the occasion is to capture photos and videos of the players wearing their respective NHL team jerseys for Upper Deck’s first official rookie hockey cards as well as other promotional materials for the remainder of the season and beyond. Upper Deck is the official trading card partner of the NHLPA and the NHL.
Paul Zickler, senior brand manager for Upper Deck, said, “This event truly sets the stage for us at Upper Deck, to create new Upper Deck products with the next fresh crop of rookies. “Taking those pictures and having them out on the ice in their official clothes for the first time really helps. Everyone is eager since the season is about to begin.
I loved playing cards when I was younger. I used to love opening packets and whatnot, so I think it would be nice,” Connor Bedard, the Chicago Blackhawks’ first-round pick in 2023, added.
The impressive group of players, which included Bedard, Leo Carlsson (2023 second overall by the Anaheim Ducks), and Logan Cooley (2022 third overall by the Arizona Coyotes), had the chance to spend time together off the ice to compare their hockey backgrounds, talk about their summers, and discuss the upcoming 2023–24 hockey season. They also had their photos taken by Upper Deck and signed autographs for limited-edition cards and memorabilia.
“It’s been a lot of fun doing this, getting to meet some new guys and running into a few familiar faces,” said Cooley, a University of Minnesota player who was a Hobey Baker finalist the previous season. There is a lot to process, but I believe the one thing that stands out is getting to put on that jersey and the whole set of gear for the first time. Sunday’s autograph-signing session was also rather memorable. To be here is a ton of fun.
A viewpoint shared by fellow Coyotes prospect and the 11th overall pick in the 2022 draft, Conor Geekie.
The center, who spent the previous three seasons with the Winnipeg Ice in the Western Hockey League, said, “Seeing all the guys has been a highlight for sure.” “I didn’t know a lot of them coming in, so it’s nice to introduce yourself, have a few laughs, and meet the guys you’re going to play against one day,” said the player.
The players spent the whole day on Tuesday at MedStar Capitals Iceplex working through the event’s multiple on- and off-ice stations with Upper Deck and EA Sports. They were also each interviewed by journalists who covered the NHLPA Rookie Showcase. The participants then engaged in a brief game of scrimmage on the ice.
Before being selected by the Ducks, Carlsson played 44 games for Orebro HK of the Swedish Elite League, compiling 25 points. “You always look forward to getting out on the ice,” Carlsson remarked. Spending time with the other players the past two days has been a blast. Everyone enjoyed themselves.
Some players will aim to participate in more NHL games in 2022–23 as training camp approaches and the new NHL season approaches, while others will aim to have a successful camp and make the roster for the first time.
One of the players present, Ridly Greig, who the Ottawa Senators selected 28th overall in the 2020 draft, is still committed to building on a strong start to his NHL career.
The Lethbridge, Alberta, native played in 20 games for the Senators in 2022–2023 and on February 19 scored his first NHL goal.
Greig declared, “I can’t wait to get to camp and start things.” “We have some fantastic seasoned guys and a very youthful corps, which gets you excited for the season. There are many things to anticipate.
The two days were jam-packed with activities, and the future stars were ecstatic.
“Everything has been great,” said Matthew Coronato, the Calgary Flames’ 13th overall draft pick in 2021. You get to see a lot of fresh faces in addition to your old friends. It’s been great getting to know everyone and participating in everything they have planned for the players. It’s been wonderful to take part in everything.