Gaudreau-Monahan-Lindholm
I think they will try this early so Lindholm can take some draws. On paper Neal seems like a better fit, but I think they may think Lindholm could be a little like Hudler from a chemistry standpoint. He is a talented guy that could show more here.
Tkachuk-Backlund-Neal
Backlund isn’t dropping down the lineup yet. With these two wingers, this should be much more explosive than keeping him with Frolik. No more 3M, this line could be better.
Bennett-Jankowski-Frolik
Big year for all of these guys, and if they start slow, they might end up with fourth line minutes. Still, lots of upside with Bennett and Jankowski, with Frolik providing some steadying influence (assuming he isn’t shooting at our own net this year)
Rychel/Lazar-Ryan-Czarnik
No idea what that fourth line will look like, but there will be plenty of options and internal competition. I think Dube starts the year in the AHL. Hopefully Mangiapane or Foo push hard for a spot. Either way the fourth line has to be better than last year.
Dmen seem pretty set. Valimaki gets sent down for seasoning or until the injury bug bites.
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From HFBoard oiler fan, in analyzing MacT's management:
O.K. there has been a lot of talk on whether or not MacTavish has actually done a good job for us, most fans on this board are very basic in their analysis and I feel would change their opinion entirely if the team was successful.
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