Victoria Royals forward Logan Nelson is saying the right things on the eve of his first NHL training camp. Set for a leading offensive role this season with the WHL club, the Minnesota native plans on being a hard-to-ignore player when the Sabres make the trip to Traverse City, Michigan for the 2013 NHL Prospects Tournament. Nelson, who has been skating with his junior mates this week, tells the Times Colonist that he has received sound advice in preparation for the challenge ahead."Former Royals forward Kevin Sundher, a 2010 Buffalo third-round pick who played 38 games last season for Rochester, has been helpful to Nelson.
“Kevin told me pro hockey is largely mistake-free hockey,” said Nelson.
“And that you really have to focus on your play away from the puck, which is something I am looking forward to improving on this season. I am planning to be the hardest working guy in the Buffalo rookie camp.”
Nelson rang up 43 points (14+29) in 49 games last season, and followed up with a slick two-goal performance in July's Blue vs. Gold development camp scrimmage. With the Sabres always looking to develop organizational depth scoring, Nelson's play over the next two weeks could see him earn his first pro contract out of camp and bypass his final junior season. It's a 50/50 shot at best, but the former fifth-rounder seems ready to embrace the opportunity.
