Samu Tuomaala showcased his improved speed during the first practice of the Flyers’ rookie camp, catching the attention of Ian Laperrière. In an interview after the morning skate on Friday at the Flyers Training Center in Voorhees, the 21-year-old winger mentioned that he maintained his offseason routine in Finland but focused on adding muscle and enhancing his skating following a late-season injury. Tuomaala expressed his desire to make the Flyers’ roster this season, emphasizing that he is progressing in the right direction.
As a second-round draft pick in 2021, Tuomaala displayed promising skating and shooting abilities during last year’s camp. However, he acknowledged the need to further develop into a complete player. Although he initially ended up in the AHL with Lehigh Valley under Laperrière’s coaching, Tuomaala thrived, scoring 43 points in 69 games. Despite facing a cold stretch and an injury setback, Tuomaala continued to work hard to elevate his performance.
Laperrière praised Tuomaala’s and defensive prospect Emil Andrae’s dedication to improvement over the summer. He noted a noticeable increase in their speed and quickness during practice, highlighting their maturity and commitment to self-improvement. Tuomaala’s impressive performance during the current camp sessions reflects his hard work and determination to succeed, setting a positive tone for the upcoming season.
The true test of Tuomaala’s progress will be showcased in the upcoming exhibition games against the New York Rangers prospects. Tuomaala remains focused on giving his best on the ice without succumbing to pressure, aiming to impress the coaching staff with his skills and work ethic.
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