When Scott Pellerin was drafted 47th overall by the New Jersey Devils in 1989, the beginning of his transition to the NHL was simple, spartan and straightforward. But for Pellerin – now the Maple Leafs’ director of player development – and Toronto’s young players in attendance for the organization’s 2016 development camp, the modern-day road to improvement as a talented young competitor is much more complex and beneficial.
“These guys are lucky, because we just got a letter,” said Pellerin, who was drafted by then-Devils GM and current Leafs GM Lou Lamoriello. “We just got a letter (saying), 'Show up at this time, be ready for training camp'.