NHL teams host development camps each summer to give prospects a first-hand look at working with their coaching staffs and seeing what life is like at the pro level.

It’s also a great chance for teams to see how their prospects improve year-to-year. Hundreds of college players – both draft picks and free agents – are participating in these camps, and demonstrating the benefits of player development at the NCAA level.

NCAA Player Development | NCAA Players in Camp (CollegeHockeyNews.com)

Strength and conditioning is typically the most noticeable improvement among the prospects. Calgary first-round pick Mark Jankowski is a perfect example after adding 14 pounds to his frame during his freshman year at Providence.

“I know that’s one of the main things in my game I need to work on, getting bigger, getting stronger,” he told the Calgary Sun. “I think this past year, I accomplished that a little bit.”

Noticed by the boss

Boston Bruins general manager Peter Chiarelli said added strength was one of the biggest improvements for Yale defenseman Rob O’Gara.

“I like Robbie’s game,” Chiarelli told the Boston Herald. “He’s getting stronger. He’s getting stronger and more confident. I saw him play a few times last year and he’s improving. That run he had to the championship will help him.”

Another Bruin pick, Boston University’s Matt Grzelcyk, is an undersized defenseman who is benefitting from the opportunity to add strength to his 5-foot-9 frame.

“I’m just going to continue to try and become as physically developed as I can,” he told the Herald. “Being in college definitely helps that, playing less games and getting into the weight room as much as I can.”

Quinnipiac’s Matthew Peca usually stands out thanks to his offensive skill, like his NCAA natural hat trick that landed him on SportsCenter’s Top Plays in March. What impresses Tampa Bay director of amateur scouting Al Murray is his how he can continue to show that skill while adding strength.

“He's a much stronger guy now and hasn't lost any of his speed or quickness and hasn't lost any of his skill or his ability to work both ends of the ice," Murray told the Tampa Tribune. "He's just made that natural progression we'd hoped he would make when you draft those smaller players late. ... His body is filling out to where you can project him as an NHL prospect even more so than when he was drafted.”

Three years later

Derek Forbort, who signed with the Los Angeles Kings this spring after three years at North Dakota, is an example of what extensive time in college can do.

“Developing my body was the biggest thing for me,” Forbort said, reflecting on his first Kings development camp. “I was pretty much a twig back then. I’ve put on a lot of weight, a lot of muscle, since then.”

Increased strength isn’t all college players are adding to their resumes as they show their skills to potential future employers. For some, like Philadelphia prospect Shayne Gostisbehere of Union, college has provided an opportunity to improve on weaknesses and compete against older players.

“It’s definitely a quick learning process,” said Gostisbehere, who will be a junior with the Dutchmen. “When I got there, I didn’t touch the offensive side of my game. Definitely, they polished off my defensive side greatly.

“They helped me a lot. You learn. At Union, you play with guys who are 24 years old, older guys. You learn quick. Nothing’s a joke out there. You gotta go learn and put in all your effort every day.”

What to work on

Players like Gostisbehere, entering their third or fourth years of college, often focus on small parts of their game that need improvement as they near the start of their pro careers.

“[Notre Dame] is the best place for me, skating every day and working on the little things,” said rising senior Stephen Johns at Chicago’s development camp. “This year, having a leadership role on the team is definitely going to help me build my character.”

Unlike most drafted seniors, Kenny Agostino was in his first camp with his NHL team, after Calgary acquired his rights via trade. He hoped to make a good first impression in camp this week and also touched on some areas he will focus on this year.

“There’s always stuff you can improve on as a hockey player,” he said. “Personally for me I can always get faster and work on my shot. I think I’ve made immense strides in the D zone, but you can always get better there. Those are probably the top three things on my list.”

Agostino returns for his senior year at Yale with two other big goals in mind: defending the national championship and earning his degree. Then, he hopes, it’s time to start the pro career.

“Once my Yale career ends, hopefully after the national championship game again or whenever it is, I’d love to start my career in Calgary or wherever they will have me.”