Here goes.
Forwards:
The Good -
Dillon Dube - Easily the best player on the ice. Was buzzing and dangerous all game. Really showed his speed and skill. Borderline elite change of direction gives him the ability to first evade and then separate from checkers with his speed. Created a ton of space for himself and showed confidence carrying the puck and generating offence. Has a bit of puck hound in him and a non stop motor. The hype train should've started long ago with him.
Spencer Foo - Wasn't close to his performance last year, yet was still solid. Showed high end hands on a couple occasions, which when paired with his speed/determination could be a deadly combo.
Emile Poirier - Didn't dominate at all, contrary to what has been inferred a couple times. Didn't notice much bad, and the wheels were most definitely still there. Created a few offensive chances.
Ryan Lomberg - When considering the fact that an intrasquad type game won't truly allow him to showcase himself to the fullest, he was still impactful. Lots of speed and doesn't take a minute off. Another guy with a good motor and ability to forecheck. Liked how vocal he was on the ice.
Adam Ruzicka - Don't mistake this for me saying he was the 5th best forward today, I just didn't have anywhere else to make the quick note that I may be eating crow on this pick. Yes, there still are players I would have preferred there, but he overall showed well. Puck protection was his biggest strength I had noted. Willingness to drive the net.
The Bad -
Eetu Tuulola - After setting the bar high (and unrealistic) last year, he was definitely back down to earth. Didn't bring any of the elements that made people fall in love with him last year. Didn't seem overly engaged and no notable improvement in his skating.
Brett Pollock - Man, what a shot on his goal, but aside from that, not much in the way of positives. Looked like more of a perimeter player than he should be given his size.
Defence:
The Good -
Kayle Doetzel - Was just very, very effective, although not flashy in any sense. Made simple, effective decisions to move the puck, held gods gaps, and was physically engaged.
Juuso Valimaki - Virtual lock to be an NHL top 4 D IMO. All scouting reports calling him an offensive D are just wrong. Yes, he's very good in that regard, but also has all the tools to be an effective "modern day shutdown" guy if you will. Holds good gaps, good skater, active stick and size. All while moving the puck very well and jumping into the rush.
Oliver Kylington - Oozes skill, and when he's on, look out.
Adam Ollas-Matsson - Skating looks to be improved, and looks notably thicker than before. Was less active in the offence than last year, but also had less gaffs.
Josh Teves - Controlled the play from the backend and is a very mobile guy. Was really the only invite worth noting as there weren't any Foo, Aagaard, Lomberg or Jooris type performances.
The Bad -
Oliver Kylington - How polarizing is this guy? If he were to play like "the good" Kylington all the time he could be on my team all day long. "The bad" Kylington, which was very much present today, I don't think I'd want anywhere near my team. Even a mix of both (as was the case) due to the position he plays is still a tough pill to swallow. Until he cleans up the glaring turnovers (had to have been pushing 10) and lost battles I have a hard time seeing him as anything more than a #6 PP guy.
Goalies:
The Good -
Tyler Parsons - Simply a stud. His compete and quickness is apparent. Made numerous big saves.
Other Notes -
Defencemen were overall more impressive than the forwards. Too many to list under the good, but Fox and Andersson were also solid.
Goaltending was solid, though McDonald still let in his patented weak one on a squeaker in the shootout. The all had their moments.
