I am not concerned with anyone playing on the 4th line, because the way the forward group is constructed, I just don't anticipate any line getting significantly reduced minutes at 5v5. All of the forwards are legitimate NHL players and basically everyone has played in a top 9 role in the NHL in the past year at some point.
The coaching staff is going to reward the lines who are playing well with more ice time. All of this is to say that I don't think that Dube is going to be shortchanged icetime if he is playing well with Ryan and Lucic, or if Bennett ends up playing C with him and Lucic.
If the concern is more about Dube playing with less skilled players, then I agree that there is some cause. On the other hand, if he is the best player on his line and other groups are not producing, I have no doubt that he will get looks with Gaudreau-Monahan and Tkachuk-Lindholm too.
I'm very curious to see how these lines work out. I generally like them, although I thought the chemistry between Bennett and Dube (as well as Bennett's improved play as a C) was worth building off of. I also thought that Leivo would play with Gaudreau and Monahan, but given the description of Simon's role while playing with Crosby (as a digger who will win battles and get pucks to the skilled guys), it makes some sense and he could play a vital role with them.
I am so excited about this season. I like the team and think they could win the division.
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