At Newsday, Arthur Staple notes that 2010 second round pick Christian Thomas is working out this summer with his dad’s former teammate Gary Roberts as part of Roberts’ famous summer training program.

On the experience so far, Thomas says, “I’m working out with Steven Stamkos, James Neal, Jeff Skinner. It’s an amazing group. They really push you.”

Thomas told Ranger Rants, “It’s nice to watch guys like that work out, showing you how hard you have to work. My dad helped me out because he played with Gary. Working out with those guys is incomparable to anywhere else. Gary has a meal service too so I take home meals every day so I can help gain weight. He knows exactly what he’s talking about.”

Wojtek Wolski worked out with Roberts last summer and Michael Del Zotto the season before.

Roberts promotes a strength training approach coupled with healthy eating.

Adam Rotter: This is great news and exactly the kind of thing that Thomas needs. He needs to get stronger and is certainly working with the right people to do it.