Quote:
Originally Posted by frodo_t_baggins
Just going to discuss forwards for now.
1) Gaudreau-Monahan-Colborne
With Hudler being UFA, we should see how well thes 2 kids can survive without him. Monahan and Colborne had chemistry in the past and this would also show us if Colborne can take the next step.
2) Bouma-Backlund-Frolik
This line would be taking most of the tough matchups and defensive zone starts. Bouma plays his best hockey with Backlund, and hopefully Frolik can help Backlund get back to where he was offensively 2 seasons ago.
3) Raymond-Bennett-Hudler
Hudler likes playing with the kids and this would help Bennett develop much better than lining him up with scrubs. I think we are stuck with Raymond until he ups his value. He typically starts seasons hot and playing with these 2 may help increase his value enough so we can ship him out early in the season without taking back any cap.
4) Ferland-Stajan-Jones
This line was so money in the playoffs it can't be split up yet.
x: Byron, Shore, Bollig, Jooris, Granlund (we have way too many players right now)
Reunite Hudler with Sean and Johnny on PP1 and put Bennett in Bouma's spot for PP2 and I think this lineup has the best chance to improve our team as a whole. Line numbers are arbitrary, I feel all lines have equal chance of being effective.
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I like your reasoning and we'll see how it works out in camp. I'm not sure of putting Colborne on the first line but moving Hudler with Bennett would be good.
The second line is also my first choice but maybe Ferland moves up and takes Bouma's spot as I see him as more a scorer.
I don't want Raymond in the starting lineup but as you say showcasing him for a trade is good planning.
I think Shore gets traded for a pick, Granlund gets sent down and someone has an injury so we can retain Byron, Jooris and Bollig although losing Bollig wouldn't be a big deal.
On defence the top six are pretty well set with Wotherspoon, Nakladal, Smid? and maybe Morrison fighting for the 7th spot. Maybe Schlemko gets a tryout contract.