Xavier Ouellet spent his summer focusing on his legs, eager to gain a step on making the Detroit Red Wings.
Ouellet is one of the most promising defense prospects in the organization, with 25 NHL appearances plus one playoff game to his credit. He was scheduled to appear in his first exhibition game tonight at Boston (7 p.m.), after being sidelined briefly by injury.
The goal over the coming week is to make it his stay in Detroit long term.
"I'm here to stay," Ouellet said. "I come here every year to camp to try to stay.