Training Camp Buzz: Hamilton makes Devils debut against Rangers

Welcome to the 2021-22 NHL training camp buzz. With training camps open for all 32 teams, NHL.com has you covered with all the latest news.

New Jersey Devils

Dougie Hamilton made his debut for the New Jersey Devils in their preseason opener against the New York Rangers at Prudential Center on Friday (NHLN, MSG+, MSG).
The defenseman, who signed a seven-year contract July 28, had been on the top pair with Ryan Graves during training camp. Graves, who also made his preseason debut, was acquired July 15 in a trade with the Colorado Avalanche for forward Mikhail Maltsev and a second-round pick in the 2021 NHL Draft (No. 61; defenseman Sean Behrens).
Hamilton and Graves are expected to be the top pair when the Devils open the regular season against the Chicago Blackhawks on Oct. 15.
"It's definitely exciting," Hamilton said. "I think the first game is a little tough sometimes, but I'll do my best to get some feel, get back into some rhythm. It's just nice to get into the gameday routine. Preseason is always different than regular season, so just work on creating habits starting today, and improve and learn from whatever happens tonight and go from there."
Devils coach Lindy Ruff said he is looking forward to watching Hamilton play in a game.
"I think he's excited about getting back playing, and playing with this group," Ruff said. "We'll see how he handles it." -- Mike G. Morreale

Detroit Red Wings

Dylan Larkin and Tyler Bertuzzi have been cleared to play after each recovered from an injury, but coach Jeff Blashill said it has not been determined when either forward would play in a preseason game.
"I've got to get an injury report from the day before I'd say what our lineup is going to be tomorrow and the next day, but we'd like to get those guys in a game here soon," Blashill said.
Larkin, the Red Wings captain, missed 12 games last season and did not play after April 20 because of a neck injury. Bertuzzi missed 47 games because of a back injury. He had surgery April 30.
Larkin and Bertuzzi are projected to play on Detroit's top line.
The Red Wings, 2-0-0 in the preseason, host the Columbus Blue Jackets at Little Caesars Arena on Saturday. Detroit opens the 2021-22 regular season at home against the defending Stanley Cup champion Tampa Bay Lightning on Oct. 14.

Vegas Golden Knights

Robin Lehner is dealing with something minor after playing two periods of the Vegas Golden Knights' 3-1 preseason loss to the Los Angeles Kings on Thursday.
Lehner allowed two goals on 20 shots before being replaced by Dylan Ferguson.
"Wasn't supposed to come out," Vegas coach Peter DeBoer said after the game. "Just precautionary. We didn't want to risk further injury. He didn't have anything serious, but we didn't want to risk anything."
DeBoer said defensemen Brayden McNabb (lower body) and Shea Theodore (undisclosed), who were injured in the preseason opener against the San Jose Sharks on Sunday, were not going to play against Los Angeles on Friday but that they would be ready for the season opener against the Seattle Kraken on Oct. 12.
"McNabb and Theodore skated this morning," DeBoer said. "Looked good. Not going to play [tonight] but I have no doubt they're going to be back 100 percent next week."
Forward Nicolas Roy, who was also injured against the Kings on Thursday following a cross check to his body, could be out longer term.
"Nic, we're waiting on some test results," DeBoer said. "Out of those four, that could potentially be the most serious, although I don't know how serious, it might be day to day."

New York Islanders

Semyon Varlamov may not be ready for the start of the regular season because of a "nagging" undisclosed injury, but coach Barry Trotz said he is not worried about the goalie's situation.
"If he's not ready for opening day … I know he'll be right around the corner and we have Ilya Sorokin] and Ilya could do the job if we needed," Trotz said. "When you say 'concerned,' that's not a word I would use, for sure, because he'll be back. He's fine. He's just rehabbing."
Varalamov has not skated or practiced with the Islanders at training camp.
"We're thinking long term, I don't need anything hanging around because once you get into playing all of these games there's really no time to recover other than just battling through it," Trotz said. "We want to take care of it on the front end so there's no lingering issues later on. Is it something major? No, it's not."
If Varlamov is unable to start the season, veteran
[Cory Schneider
would be expected to back up Sorokin.

Tampa Bay Lightning

Anthony Cirelli did not practice Friday and could miss a couple of days with a lower-body injury.
"[Cirelli] did not skate today," Lightning assistant Derek Lalonde said. "I haven't heard much. He probably will not be around for a day or two, but I don't think there's anything to be concerned about."
Cirelli scored a goal in a 6-2 preseason loss to the Nashville Predators on Thursday before leaving the game in the second period. Coach Jon Cooper had no immediate update after the game and said the move was precautionary.
Ross Colton took Cirelli's place at center on a line with Steven Stamkos and Alex Killorn at practice Friday. -- Corey Long

St. Louis Blues

Zachary Bolduc made his NHL preseason debut for the Blues against the Chicago Blackhawks at United Center on Friday (NBCSCH+).
The center, who was the No. 17 pick in the 2021 NHL Draft, missed the Traverse City Prospects Tournament because of a lower-body injury he sustained during Canada's World Junior training camp this offseason. He skated on a line with Kyle Clifford and Logan Brown.
"I'm really excited," Bolduc said. "It's my first game. I'm going to enjoy it as much as I can and have fun and learn through that process.
"I'll be nervous, but I'll use that at my advantage, have fun, compete hard and just keep it simple for the first one. Right now, I'm feeling good, honestly. I'm feeling 100 percent so I'm ready to play the game tonight."
Although Bolduc is expected to be sent back to his junior team, Rimouski of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, Blues coach Craig Berube wanted to see the 18-year-old in an NHL game before doing so.
"He's a skilled player," Berube said. "Watching him out there in practice, he's quick on his feet, he's on his toes and he's got a good shot, obviously good puck skill. Just use his ability and go play the game. We're all looking forward to seeing him here tonight and seeing what he can do." -- Louie Korac