Former Gophers standout Travis Boyd appears to be on the doorstep of the NHL.
He was recently featured in a short documentary film recapping the Washington Capitals' summer developmental camp. Boyd was one of just three players that included this year's first-round draft pick Lucas Johansen to be spotlighted by the team.
The nearly nine-minute documentary follows the players throughout the week-long camp with a look into what the team calls "unprecedented access" into player-coach meetings. In Boyd's meeting, the coaching staff is very open about how impressed they've been with the forward from Hopkins.
"I think you've done a tremendous job and [we're] really happy," Capitals head coach Barry Trotz told Boyd in the meeting that also included assistant coach Blaine Forsythe. "You're going to get a good opportunity at camp and the exhibition games and all that. Showcase yourself. Get ready for that and go for it."
Trotz later closed the meeting saying "I think I see [you] having some impact for us. So it's awesome. Good work on you."
Forsythe said "It's your time to start thinking about being an NHL player, now. You said and we know, you were close.
"We know how [the AHL club] felt about you at the end of the year. What a big role you played for them in the playoffs. Don't think we didn't notice that. … So it's a good sign for you and it's a good positive thing for you. You're going in the right direction."
See the full meeting around 2:40 into the video and look out for Boyd scattered throughout the whole piece.
