[D as in David]

Originally Posted by Calgary4LIfe

I also have been advocating a Gaudreau - Bennett pairing. Bennett drives the net more and is much more aggressive on the boards, and has great speed. He isn't so much a playmaker either, and that lets Gaudreau do his thing.

Monahan I think has proven that he can drive a line by himself. Versteeg was a good partner for him. Tkachuk will be as well. I am even happy to throw Jankowski into the mix as a winger while he gets his ears wet in the NHL, and to see how Bennett does at another year of playing center.

Tkachuk - Monahan - Versteeg
Ferland - Backlund - Frolik
Gaudreau - Bennett - Jankowski

That's the top 9 I would like to roll with, at least for a stretch. Jankowski should be able to translate his defensive acumen to that line as well (and Bennett I felt took massive strides in that department last season). I think this lineup allows you to roll those 3 lines very well.

Chiasson - Stajan - Brouwer

That's a pretty good 4th line, and I really like Chiasson in that slot. He is a productive scorer given his ice time there. Brouwer or Stajan will (IMO) be selected by Vegas, so re-insert Bouma on that line as the center (if it is Stajan). Still a 4th line that you can roll without being overwhelmed. Don't like Brouwer's footspeed and I prefer Hathaway or Hamilton being added to that line, but Brouwer is still a much more talented player than anyone else on that 4th line (overpaid, but he is more talented).

Know who would do well with Monahan? Fricken Jagr. I don't care if he is 60 already and uses a cane. I would love to sign him just for a season to play next to Monahan and rub some of his skill off on Monahan. I mean, it is fricken Jagr.

Don't forget about Lazar.