A veteran forward reflects on a controversial moment from a 2013 training camp, revealing how a rookie player managed to secure a spot on the team despite initial doubts. The incident, recalled years later, highlights the competitive struggles of making the roster in professional hockey. The story offers a glimpse into the cutthroat environment of NHL tryouts and the resilience required to earn a place. Fans of the sport and those interested in behind-the-scenes hockey narratives may find this firsthand account intriguing.

"Somehow they were able to weasel their way to stay on," former Lightning forward Tyler Johnson recalled. This was in 2013, during Kucherov's first NHL training camp. Johnson and ...