I've said all summer I expect 3 #2 lines and a 3/4 line.
Cammaleri - Stajan - Stempniak
Showcased + past chemistry, and the best NHL experiance. Defacto #1 group
Baertschi - Backlund - Jones
B&B should get the opportunity to step up and lead the team on ice, if they don't I think they will be passed by Monahan/Proir... as the future. Jones should add some needed size and jam to this line. Baertschi looked like a bit of a set-up man at the end of last season, playing with a guy who has scored in the NHL before could be good.
Glencross - Monahan - Hudler
Putting vets with an 18 year old center seems logical. I think this is a line that could play against other teams top lines, and control the tempo at times. Glencross and Monahan should also be able to open space up for Hudler to move with the puck.
Galiardi - Horak - Jackman
The 4th Line is a bit of a crap shoot but I think this group fits the team youthful direction the best, while still giving Hartley the chance to role 4 lines
Brodie - Wideman
Wideman is the best righty we have, see next pair for why I put Brodie here
Giordano - Russel
Russel is clearly our #4, but will need a guy like Gio with him, to learn how to play against top NHL forwards.
Seiloff - SOB
This addresses one of the biggest problems with our d core last year. Finally guys who will just be unkind to the other team, when the puck is deep in our zone.
Ramo
Berra
I would send Joey Mac Down, and give Berra a game or two at the NHL level before sending him to the A. So that while learning the North American game, he understands what the highest level is really like.
If Mac gets picked up on waivers, the worst thing that happens is Ortio, Berra, and Brossoit are rewarded with platooning to the NHL.
Press Box
Bouma, McGrattan, Butler.
I think Smith gets waived and sent down, because Feaster still believes that Butler is an asset that holds some value on the market.
Hopefully Knight plays well enough to take the job from Monahan after 9 games.
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