What happened: Hutson said Desharnais is "really cool to learn from" and added that their games are built on different styles. The comment came with a Sunday preseason opener in Boston next on the calendar.

Why it matters: Potential pairings are one of the clearest camp tells for how the blue line could be arranged once exhibition games start. It is another early checkpoint for Cole Hutson as preseason usage begins to matter.

What to watch: Watch whether Hutson and Desharnais open together once exhibition play begins. Camp pairings can move quickly after the first live reps.