Who plays on that top line with Sean and John?

[TheIronMaiden]

Who plays on that top line with Sean and John? To me its really up in the air. We don't have a true top RW to put in that slot, which makes this debate interesting. I see a lot of possibilities, but many of them seem like gambles.

Brouwer and Frolik are probably our best RWs, but do they pencil in better with Bennett and Backlund respectively?

I've seen Chaisson getting put in that top spot a couple times, but i haven't seen anything that proves he is good enough for top line minutes.

I realise that this thread exists:

http://forum.calgarypuck.com/showthread.php?t=154135

However, I have seen this debate other places as well. If the Moderators feel the need, lock away. I am just trying to sooth my own curiosity by tapping into the CalgaryPuck hive mind.

[Coach]

Brouwer or Pribyl would be my guess. Probably see Tkachuk there too.

[GranteedEV]

Shinkaruk fits that line very well.

[vicarious]

In an ideal world, a big, physical right hand shot so Brouwer is the most obvious choice if he isn't a David Jones 2.0.

[FBI]

I'm thinking Ferland is going to get another opportunity as well. Maybe in preseason or something.

[Stupid]

I think it's why Brouwer is on the team. He has the mass our top line has been lacking and has scoring ability along with his two way play. It'd be a well balanced line I think.

It's likely his spot to lose.

[Imported_Aussie]

For me, I would prefer a guy who shoots right, as Monahan is a left shot, and someone who can finish off the chances that Gaudreau generates. If they are a bigger body who can help keep possession of the puck, that would also help make that line more effective.
I would opt for Brouwer, Pribyl or Chiasson personally, though I could see Brouwer deployed with Bennett as a veteran to help him out.
Chiasson is not a true top line forward, but he has the physical gifts and skillset to address what that unit needs. Pribyl is a wildcard; it will depend on how well he adapts to the smaller ice, but he could be a good fit there also

[JohnnyTitan]

I'm torn, because despite most people thinking Brouwer doesn't have what it takes to be our #1 RW I personally think we'd be happier with him up there than anyone else who's been tried out over the past 120 games. (Huds, Ferland, Colborne to name a few).

HOWEVER -> I really really want Sam to get some help on his line. Watching his (awesome) highlights from last year and it's really apparent that he played with no-talent-ass-clowns most of time while playing Center. Give him Brouwer and Ferland and watch them all produce!

What could be awesome is if Tkachuk is able to make the team as a 3rd liner. Then we could shelter Sam and Matt and I think they'd succeed. Most certainly build some rapport that could pay off for years and years. Backs and Folik as 2a or 2b and Johnny-Mony-Brouwer as #1. This is my hope.

Or maybe instead of Tkachuk it's Poirier who steps up? Haven't given up on him yet.

I've also thought hard about the idea of Jankowski making the team as our 4th line Center and "promoting" Stajan to be on Benny's wing.

Final Answer: BROUWER #1 RW!! LOL.

[GoJetsGo]

I'm hoping for a mystery miracle acquisition.

I realize the cap restraints, but hoping Treliving has an ace up his sleeve.

Brouwer might be a good option based on what we have currently, but a bonafide top line player (or just a right shot RW that slots high on our right side depth chart) could be the difference in this current team / roster taking the next step.

It allows Brouwer to be paired with Bennett, Frolik to remain with Backlund and Chassion to start with no expectations on the 4th line (suggestions in the last couple of threads putting him or Prybil on the 1st line are grossly premature).

Hoping the stars aline and we can somehow pick up a top line RW. Would really put us over the hump imo.

[Isikiz]

With the discussions about "pairings," I feel like Brouwer end up on Bennett's wing to start. I believe that Treliving said something similar during an interview on the Fan 960.

Monahan-Gaudreau
Bennett-Brouwer?
Backlund-Frolik
Stajan-Bouma? Ferland?

I think they'll likely try a couple of our recent acquisitions on the top line (Shinkaruk, Pribyl, Chiasson, etc.) and see how that ends up going. Things might change if Tkachuk makes enough an impact to land a spot on the team, though.

[bigrangy]

One of Chiasson, Vey, F.Hamilton, Jooris, or Pribyl would be my guess. It would be nice if Brad could swoop in and get a cheap guy in trade that could fill the spot.

Benzo needs a vet on his line and Brouwer will be perfect with him.

[Imported_Aussie]

Originally Posted by bigrangy

Benzo

No. Just no

[Lanny_McDonald]

Brouwer. Frolik will stick with Backlund. Chaisson plays with Bennett and Tkachuk in sheltered minutes for the first half of the season.

[Red Menace]

Treliving sounded like the organization is committed to pairing up duos; Gaudreau-Monahan, Bennett-Brouwer, Backlund-Frolik....leaving the extra spots to the remaining lesser forwards.
My guess is they give Chiasson a chance here, but maybe fall back to Brouwer eventually.

[polak]

This team might actually be a contender if Tkachuk could surprise and earn that spot.

If not then it gets a little shoddy if no one surprises. Brower is a 2nd liner and would be perfect with Bennet and Frolik. Then finish it off with a Backlund, Chaisson and Ferland/Shinkaruk/Prybil line and give us the cup.

[Lil Pedro]

Would like to see Brouwer on that first line to start. I think he will crucial for making space for both Johnny and Sean while also being key on puck retrieval when it enters the offensive zone.

[hockey.modern]

Given Gulutzan wants a veteran beside Bennett, I would think they put Brouwer with him. That said, Shinkaruk fits the top line. I've said it before, but I think a top 6 of the following would compliment very well.

Gaudreau-Monahan-Shinkaruk (finesse, speed)
Tkachuk-Bennett-Brouwer (physical)

[DJones]

Originally Posted by Lil Pedro

Would like to see Brouwer on that first line to start. I think he will crucial for making space for both Johnny and Sean while also being key on puck retrieval when it enters the offensive zone.

Probably the best fit, but they have to put Bennett in a better spot this year.

Everything works out a lot better if Tkachuk or Jankowski can start in a top 6 spot.

[Flames_F.T.W]

I think if Tkachuk makes the team, he'll play with Bennett and they'll be somewhat sheltered. My guess is Brouwer or Pribyl plays on the top line.

[shotinthebacklund]

Chiasson. Not my favorite placeholder but one none the less that can shine given a chance I believe.

Personally the ideal match for that line would be the player the plays the game like Tuulola did the other day.