Quote:
Originally Posted by Flames Draft Watcher
That 1st line would get absolutely bodied along the boards. You didn't put a winger on that line who can fight through checking. I really don't think we can afford to have Tkachuk and Ferland on the same line. The player who most needs a player like them is Gaudreau, he needs a powerforward on his line to make room for him, win board battles after dump ins, drive the net, etc. Using the same players you had I'd rather see
Gaudreau-Monahan-Tkachuk
Ferland-Bennett-Versteeg
Frolik-Backlund-Brouwer
Bouma-Lazar-Hathaway
Not totally sure Versteeg is a fit. If Jankowski is ready to make the NHL I'd go with
Gaudreau-Monahan-Tkachuk
Bennett-Jankowski-Ferland
Frolik-Backlund-Brouwer
Bouma-Lazar-Hathaway
What if the top line winger that people are wanting can be filled from within? Gaudreau, Tkachuk and Bennett would make 3 1st line wingers to me. That's enough to win with
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I like having tkachuk or bennett on the first line RW. Though i do question the idea that size/physicality/grit as a required attribute for the winger playing alongside gaudrea/monahan. They were one of the top lines in the league with hudler as their RW. I think that a high skill level and good finish is critical for the role. It's actually for that reason (as you posted in your next post) that makes tkachuck such an intriguing candidate. His play with the puck in tight quarters is understated, but is absolutely unbelievable, which could play an incredible role on that line.
i'm not that worried about the extra curriculars that tkatchuk brings post whistle. It's not like frolik/backlund are the grittiest of players. Tkatchuk typically held is own without needing backup in the scrums.