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“It is wide open,” the coach said. “(The veterans) have a lot of work to do. That’s where they are in their careers. They can take it and some of those (young) guys will play with them.

“I’m looking forward to, if we can, have a young guy on every line. It depends on how they do, but I would love to have the greatest number of young guys make our team.”

For what it’s worth — and we’ll have to look back to see if this wasn’t said after every development camp any team has ever held — Boucher says the first few days of the current development camp have been outstanding, the best he has seen since joining the organization.

“There are legitimate prospects knocking on the door right now,” he said.

As for his own security — or lack, thereof — Boucher insists he isn’t losing sleep about entering the final year of his contract. It’s a scenario that often makes a coach a “lame duck”, because an organization wouldn’t be losing any salary if they move on to a new boss.

“I’m sure if you asked (Barry) Trotz, he didn’t hate his year,” said Boucher, referring to the Stanley Cup winning head coach. After winning the Cup in his final year behind the Washington Capitals bench, Trotz had countless options on whether to return or sign elsewhere. Ultimately, he signed a five-year, $20 million deal to coach the New York Islanders.

“I’m here now enjoying everything I do now.”

NO LUCK FOR LUCHUK

Centre Aaron Luchuk, who scored a combined 50 goals and 65 assists with Windsor and Barrie in the OHL last season, didn’t play in Friday’s scrimmage due to a hand injury suffered during training before development camp started. Luchuk has been on the ice in the opening days of the camp.

BRAGGING RIGHTS

Markus Nurmi scored twice and Angus Crookshank had a goal and two assists to lead Team White to a 6-3 win over Team Red in the spirited scrimmage in front of a packed house Friday. Todd Burgess, Eduards Tralmarks and Zach Jorgan also scored for the winners. Team Red received goals from Luka Burzan, Nico Sturm and Colin White.