PROSPECTS: Nause feeling fired up; Guzda getting comfortable

CORAL SPRINGS, Fla. - Evan Nause's last trip to South Florida was one he'll never forget.
Toward the end of Development Camp back in July, the 19-year-old defenseman realized a lifelong dream when he signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Florida Panthers.
A few months later, the fire he received from that big moment is still burning bright.

"That's something you work for kind of your whole life, just to sign that first pro contract," said Nause, a second-round pick (56th overall) in the 2021 NHL Draft. "To get that [deal done], it's a little reassuring, but I think that it just fuels the fire more. It continues the motivation for me."
Flying up and down the ice during the first two days of Rookie Camp at the Panthers IceDen in Coral Springs, Nause now wants to reward that faith from the Panthers. Approaching every drill with the utmost intensity, he's already succeeded in catching the attention of the coaching staff.
"The last two practices he's been very, very good," Charlotte Checkers coach Geordie Kinnear said. "What we preach about having tight gaps and being hard to play against, he's bought into that. We see a different confidence, and he should be confident because he's put the work in."
Taking a statistical step forward during his second season in the QMJHL, Nause laced up his skates in 59 games with the Quebec Remparts in 2021-22 and led the team's defensemen in assists (38) and points (46), which were more than double the 22 points he tallied in 2020-21.
In 12 games during the QMJHL playoffs, he dished out three assists.
"Honestly I just want to pick up where I left off, just keep that momentum going and keep working hard and just try to have some fun," Nause said when asked about preparing for another season in Quebec. I'm super excited to get back into the swing of things."
Getting back into that swing also comes with a bit of soreness at this time of year.
"I noticed [the increased intensity], especially with the legs and the cardio," Nause said of the first two days of camp. "I just feel like the skills are dialed in a little more. I'm feeling good."
Looking to leave a good impression on the Panthers and stick around in South Florida as long as possible before heading back to juniors, Nause said he's itching to get done with practice and get into some real game action during this weekend's Rookie Tournament in Raleigh.
"I think you kind of put the competitive hat on more so than just trying to develop and get better," Nause said. "I think the main thing is to try and have fun, work hard and things will take care of themselves. … The boys are fired up. We've got a great crew here. We're ready to go."

GUZDA FEELING GIDDY

Like Nause, Mack Guzda is getting amped up for the Rookie Tournament.
But after passing by a few current members of the Panthers in the hallways of the Panthers IceDen, he admits that it's also starting to sink in that he'll be on the ice with them next week.
"I'm excited," the 21-year-old goaltender smiled. "It's kind of starting to set in when you see them around the rink, but right now I'm taking it one day a time and getting ready for the Rookie Tournament up in Raleigh. I'm really looking forward to that. It's going to be awesome."
Preparing for his first season in the professional ranks following a strong junior career, Guzda posted a 25-13-3 record with a .915 save percentage and two shutouts in 2021-22. After being traded from the Owen Sound Attack to the Barrie Colts back in November, he went 20-9-2. In four playoff games with Barrie, he turned aside 143 of 154 shots (.929%).
Earning several accolades, Guzda 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.
After his season ended in Barrie, Guzda, who signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Panthers back in February as an undrafted free agent, reported to Florida's AHL affiliate in Charlotte where he was able to soak in both the on-ice and off-ice elements of the pro game.
"It always helps to get a feel for pro hockey," Kinnear said. "He's a very competitive kid. He came into practices and fit in right away. Until you get that first game under your belt and that experience, you have to wait for it. We're excited for him to get in some games and get going."
Guzda said he especially learned a lot in Charlotte by getting to work closely with Checkers goaltending coach Leo Luongo, who is part of Florida's innovative Goaltending Excellence Department.
"It was such a great opportunity to spend the end of the year seeing what it takes to play at that level, seeing how those guys take care of themselves, and then taking all that information and adding it to my summer training," said Guzda, who clogs up the net at 6-foot-5 and 216 pounds. "I know how much of a grind it can be and how much I have to gear up for the season."
One of the first steps towards gearing up will be manning the crease in Raleigh this weekend.
"I'm excited to get started at the Rookie Tournament and take it one day at a time," Guzda said. "It's all super exciting. I haven't played a game since the end of my junior season last year. Just like the NHL guys playing in the preseason before things start, it's just getting those reps, getting a feel of things, getting in a routine and getting prepared to play."
ROOKIE TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
Game 1: Friday, September 16
Florida Panthers vs. Carolina Hurricanes (Invisalign Arena) | 10 a.m.
Saturday, September 17
Practice Day
Game 2: Sunday, September 18
Florida Panthers vs. Tampa Bay Lightning (PNC Arena) | 1 p.m.
Game 3: Monday, September 19
Florida Panthers vs. Nashville Predators (PNC Arena) | 10 a.m.
To view the roster for this weekend's tournament, click
HERE
.
The Panthers will kick off the 2022-23 season at FLA Live Arena against the Philadelphia Flyers on October 19, 2022. The first 10,000 fans through the doors will receive a commemorative magnet schedule courtesy of Bally Sports Florida. Click
HERE
to purchase your tickets today!