NOTEBOOK: 'The group is getting tighter' at training camp

CORAL SPRINGS, Fla. - As the excitement grows, the group shrinks at training camp.
With four preseason games down and just two to go before the 2022-23 season gets underway, the Florida Panthers trimmed their roster down to just over 30 players after sending 10 players to the AHL on Sunday.
Following a well-deserved break on Monday, it'll be time to start thinking about final preparations.
"There's a shift now," head coach Paul Maurice said after Sunday's practice at the Panthers IceDen. "Their first 10-11 days of camp were really hard. We'll shift to speed now. You probably saw it today where you get to a more veteran group, and they can handle it. They're still at the end of duress. There's still lots of little nicks that they're taking care of. We'll take tomorrow [off] and then really transition."

Among the veteran players that are dealing with some bumps and bruises and were absent from this afternoon's skate were Carter Verhaeghe, Colin White and Patric Hornqvist. The good news is that all three players skated prior to practice, which means they'll likely be good to go sooner rather than later.
"They're closing in on it," Maurice said. "I don't think we have anything necessarily long-term."
With those players out of action, two prospects, Justin Sourdif and Logan Hutsko, had a chance to get in some good reps during practice after missing several days of camp due to injuries of their own. From what I saw, the two forwards alternated with each other on a line with Sam Bennet and Sam Reinhart.
Given that both players are still in the early stages of their budding careers, Maurice said he felt it was important to give them a good opportunity to shine in practice after being sidelined for much of camp.
"I wanted to keep them around to first make sure they're healthy and also take a look at them," Maurice said. "Practices are really important for these guys, not just the games. I wanted to see to purchase your tickets today!*