Let's say we sign Jagr, our 14 forwards likely look like this
Gaudreau, Monahan, Tkachuk, Bennett, Frolik, Backlund, Ferland, Versteeg, Jagr, Brouwer, Stajan, Lazar, Jankowski and Hamilton/Hathaway/Foo/Gazdic/whoever. You can shuffle guys around the lineup and fit guys in. Our top 9 would likely look like
Gaudreau Monahan Ferland
Tkachuk Backlund Frolik
Versteeg Bennett Jagr
And then you have many options for the 4th line. I think we could have a good 4th line with the guys listed and you can make room for anyone. Injuries will happen, so guys can move up. Ferland may not stick on the top line and he could always move to the 4th line. Does it matter if a young gun starts the season on the 4th line, press box or in Stockton? Not in my opinion, many things will change.
I say sign Jagr and you have an extra guy who can still produce.
|