What happened: Mathieu Olivier, Carson Soucy, Cole Sillinger, Cam Talbot and Rick Bowness were part of Friday's first-day media group in Columbus. Soucy entered camp after signing a professional tryout on Sept. 14.
Why it matters: The opening sessions start sorting out where Columbus' veteran additions fit before preseason games begin. Talbot arrives on a new one-year contract, while Soucy is skating for a roster spot after joining camp on a PTO.
By the numbers: Talbot's contract carries a $950,000 base salary and up to $700,000 in bonuses. Soucy brings eight NHL seasons of experience into camp on his tryout.
What to watch: Next up is how those veterans are used once camp moves from first-day skating into exhibition work. Further sessions should also give a clearer read on Sillinger's and Olivier's early usage.