Recapping day one of NY Islanders rookie camp

Dufour looking to take the next step in his development

As the only player with any NHL experience aside from Simon Hölmstrom, William Dufour is looking to make a big splash at camp before the season begins.

Entering his second season as a professional, Dufour will look to take his game to the next level after a successful rookie campaign in Bridgeport.

“I think theres room for improvement even though he had a pretty good year in the American League," said Kowalsky on Dufour. "It is a day one but no, I was impressed. He looks a little leaner and hopefully stronger."

There may not be much to it, but Dufour was selected among all participants to lead the team post-practice stretches.

Hölmstrom taking on a leadership role

Simon Hölmstrom spent 50 games with the Islanders last season, yet finds himself at rookie camp only because he's on his ELC. He isn't surrounded by players with much (or any) NHL experience, as he's the only player who knows what it takes to make it at the highest level. Hölmstrom may find himself on the bubble come time to trim the roster, needing an assertive camp to force the Islanders into making a difficult decision.

“It’s tough. It was a tough first day as always, but it’s really good to be back," said Hölmstrom on his first day of camp and taking on a mentorship role. "I’m just glad to be here and maybe help out some of the younger guys."

Hölmstrom says he spent most of his summer working on conditioning, watching film, and working on his goal-scoring skills.