What happened: Team Red opened Thursday after Wednesday media day with Mikael Backlund, Matt Coronato and Morgan Frost up front and Dustin Wolf paired with Devin Cooley in net. Second-round pick Chase Harrington skated with that NHL group after a 57-point season in 61 junior games. Team Black features Andrew Basha, Jonathan Castagna, Rory Kerins, Sam Morton and Aydar Suniev competing for depth-chart position.

Why it matters: Calgary's blue-line battle shapes the opening-night roster after adding Simon Nemec and Jake Middleton this offseason. A strong camp from Hunter Brzustewicz, Rory Kerins or William Stromgren would reorder early call-up priority when roster needs arise.

What to watch: Preseason games decide which Black-group forwards earn NHL reps.