I would like to see 1 of 2 scenarios with the flames forward lines.
Balanced approach:
Gaudreau - Monahan - Dube
Mangiapane - Backlund - Tkachuk
Leivo - Bennett - Lindholm
Lucic - Ryan - Nordstrom
Shelter/Load approach:
Tkachuk - Backlund - Lindholm (Heavy minutes)
Gaudreau - Monahan - Dube (Sheltered)
Mangiapane - Bennett - Leivo
Lucic - Ryan - Nordstrom
Ok, so these are not so different... But I love the idea of loading up a line to be an offence driving matchup beast. And I think that line is Tkachuk - Backlund - Lindholm. I know people won't like to see Backlund as a number 1, but he is the best centre we have and areas of his game are elite. He could easily become a 60 point guy who remains one of the best defensive centres in the game. Lindholm could be freed up on this line to play an offensive game rather than feeling he needs to cover defensively for his linemates.
I also like the balanced approach where you spread the top 6 talent throughout your top 9.
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