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I think next season, you start with the 3M line to ensure that we get off to as good a start as possible. At about the 25 game mark, hopefully the team is in a good position to tinker with the lineup a bit and you move Tkachuk to Bennett's wing for three reasons:

1) see how much Tkachuk impacted Backlunds production;
2) see how much Bakclund impacted Tkachuk's production (Tkachuk will be due for new contract in 2 years too so will need to know);
3) see if there is any chemistry between Tkachuk and Bennett.

You also have Jankowski as the forth line centre to see if he can replace Backlund if need be.

Meanwhile determine what Backlunds contract extension demands are.

By the deadline, you should have the answer to whether you keep Backiund or trade him.