Ok to put down some more detailed thoughts. I enjoyed watching this much more than the prospects camp because this was more game drill based and less of a talent showcase.
Thomas was the best player out there today. Yes, better than Walman. Every time I see this kid he just seems better and better to me. His ability to skate into traffic, head up all the way and find a seam to hit a teammate with beaut saucer passes is something special. I don't think this kid will ever score 30 goals but he might finally be the true playmaker we have long been looking for.
Thompson. People might remember my prospects camp review, where I tore into him a little bit for being "too perimeter." Well today was the opposite. He was attacking the middle of the ice and using his body well during board play. Complete 180 from how he played in prospect camp. Really glad to see this from him.
Kyrou and Walman were right up there with the best in the practice. It was more of the same from them. They shined in nearly every drill. Walman did have my highlight of the practice though. On a drill where the puck was sent across the ice at center ice with two players going after and battling for it. One would come out and charge the net with the other defending on his side/back. Walman was defending on the drill and right as Vannelli went to shoot he lifted his stick and stole the puck skating down to the other end on a breakaway. The steal was nice but the smirk and quick little "hahaha" Walman gave Vannelli as he skated away was ****ing hilarious.
Speaking of Vannelli, I see no NHL future for this kid. He just look flat out bad at times out there. Handling the puck like a grenade and messing up defensive drills time and time again.
As I said earlier Kostin seemed just a little off. I think missing all that time has his timing off just a bit. You could see the skill there for sure but he would hold onto the puck just a little to long at times while looking for the right play.
Toropchenko is a player that I am going to continue to be high on. A guy that big shouldn't be able to skate that well. He also plays like a bull in a china shop which is very appealing. The one downside is his stickhandling was a bit poor today. He lost the puck during a couple of different drills.
Mikkola is a workhorse. I think this kid has an NHL future. He is a guy who will make up a lack of skill with sheer willpower.
The biggest surprise reward belongs to Filip Helt. I am not sure if he just ate his Wheaties this morning but holy **** was this kid everywhere. He was in on every drill, playing with an edge and determination that dwarfed just about everyone else on the ice. This kid was out to be noticed today and he certainly drew a considerable amount of attention, especially when you take into account some of the prospects he was out there with today.