from Sean Shapiro of Shap Shots,

If you are reading Shap Shots (and thank you), you are probably paying attention to some form on NHL training camp this weekend. Either in person, or passively watching on social media and, like many of us, over reacting to line combinations on Day 1 of training camp.

To better watch training camp, and this goes for any team, here are some rules that can help your comprehension of what’s happening in front of you.

• Remember, most of the job are already determined. This makes the “anyone can make it,” narrative feel hollow, but in most cases NHL training camp is simply a formality when it comes to roster building. GMs and coaches build their roster in the summer, that’s the reality of a salary cap world, and while there may be position battles for some roles, there are rarely actual battles for roster spots, at least for opening night.
• Enjoy the new first-round pick while they are here. First-round picks are fun, prospects are the future, and they create some fun storylines in camp.

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