I made it to the Chiller this morning and will upload some video and stuff. It's been a while since I was in a building with an ice sheet, so it was nice to be reminded how much I enjoy this time of year. I spent most of my time watching the d-men, and trying to catch video of the scrimmages. (They did 5-on-5 for two periods and then 3-on-3 for two.)
To me, it looked like Johnson and Marchenko were the most vocal and active guys, in terms of communicating during drills, encouraging teammates, etc. This may be a result of experience, or possibly natural leadership.
The other forward who looked comfortable with everything, although less demonstrative, was Pyyhtia. Being a fan of many things Suomi, I wanted to see him, and I was impressed with his overall fluidity. He didn't look as skinny as I expected, even if he isn't brawny. I can see him as a multi-purpose, middle six winger in the NHL someday, (if the organization isn't over-loaded with guys for that role already). Maybe he'll develop in ways I didn't foresee.
During 3-on-3, he skated with Del Bel Belluz and Mateychuk, which I took as a good sign.
Dumais doesn't play a small man's game, he goes where he needs to go and does what he needs to do. He definitely has the hands and wheels to play at an NHL level. He may be a few years away, but I wouldn't bet against him.
For me, the surprise was Aiden Hreschuk, who was drafted #94 overall by Carolina in 2021. He's "only" 5-11 but has the shoulders of a lumberjack. He seemed solid positionly and willing to use his frame. In a 5-on-5 session he found a sweet cross-ice pass through traffic to create a chance for Sillinger, which the goalie (I believe Cajan?) denied. If I were in charge I would invite him to training camp. He played at Boston College last year and I wonder why the 'Canes didn't sign him.
Culemans looked comfortable in all situations and he's very close to ready to take somebody's roster spot. He's no more than a year away.
Hjorth looked solid, particularly with a crunching check on Bjorgvik-Holm right in my face. And Supryka also seemed like a "right place at the right time" guy. Richard moves well for a guy his size. I suspect Cleveland is going to have a solid contingent of full-sized d-men the next few seasons. They can't all stay in Columbus ....
When they went to 3-on-3, Jiricek skated with Johnson and Marchenko (which I immediately thought of as the Draft Capital Account). Jiricek has obvious tools and did look like he's still getting back to form. I would be only mildly surprised if he made a bid for a spot this season.
The intensity level seemed high and the attitude positive. I am now officially a Dumais fan and a Hreschuk well-wisher.
(Update) My video apparently needs to be converted to a smaller format, or I'll upload it to Instagram and do a link or something. It's not that great, but I'd like to get it out there.