Let's talk about the 2022-23 lineup

[Finger Cookin]

Originally Posted by TheScorpion

I need this.

You can probably find Leafs games circa 2012-2015 on YouTube.

[CaptainYooh]

I think Kessel is done and done. I watched him at the warm up in March or April this year, he wasn’t even pretending to be in it.

[blankall]

Originally Posted by Vinny01

Huberdeau-Lindholm-Toffoli
Mangiapane-Kadri-Dube
Pelletier-Backlund-Coleman
Lucic-Rooney-Lewis

Hanifin-Andersson
Zadorov-Weegar
Kylington-Tanev

Markstrom
Vladar

Feels like we just have another line. The team last year felt like a two line team with guys occasionally contributing from the bottom six.

This is like three legit lines. That centre depth makes all the difference in the world.

[BlindMilwaukee]

I think Pelletier with Backlund and Coleman is perfect.

The first thing that comes to my mind with Backs is that he is defensively responsible. A shut down kind of guy.

With Coleman - he might not score a ton but you can't question his GAS meter. Both guys are leaders.

[Enoch Root]

Pelletier - Backlund - Coleman

is a pretty damn great 3rd line - elite defensively, and can contribute offensively at least as well, if not better, than the average 3rd line.

[Jay Random]

Originally Posted by Enoch Root

Pelletier - Backlund - Coleman

is a pretty damn great 3rd line - elite defensively, and can contribute offensively at least as well, if not better, than the average 3rd line.

It's even better when you consider Backlund's history of helping rookies find their NHL game.

[Bunk]

Get Coronato on with Kadri and Dube next year and you’ll have the best eyebrows on a line in NHL history.

[Hackey]

Originally Posted by CaptainYooh

I think Kessel is done and done. I watched him at the warm up in March or April this year, he wasn’t even pretending to be in it.

He still had 52 pts last year playing in Arizona. He was on pace for 63 in the shortened year before that. Put him on a line with Huberdeau and Lindholm and maybe he would feel rejuvenated to be playing hockey that matters. He is definitely a risk, but you won't find better offensive upside out there right now unless you deal some big assets.

[Reggie Dunlop]

The only two important contracts to tie up now are Ruzicka and Scorch.

[Iceman57]

Unless he has just an unbelievable camp, I really don't see Pelletier in the NHL next season. Still hoping we can bring in an Evan Rodrigues or Sonny Milano but then again waiting to add at the deadline might be just as good


Huberdeau - Lindholm - Dube
Mangiapane - Kadri - Toffoli
Ruzicka - Backlund - Coleman
Lucic - Rooney - Lewis
?

Weegar - Andersson
Hanifin - Tanev
Kylington - Zadorov
Meloche

Markstrom
Vladar

[dino7c]

Seemed pretty likely more is coming listening to Brad speak

[Sofa GM]

Originally Posted by Iceman57

Unless he has just an unbelievable camp, I really don't see Pelletier in the NHL next season. Still hoping we can bring in an Evan Rodrigues or Sonny Milano but then again waiting to add at the deadline might be just as good


Huberdeau - Lindholm - Dube
Mangiapane - Kadri - Toffoli
Ruzicka - Backlund - Coleman
Lucic - Rooney - Lewis
?

Weegar - Andersson
Hanifin - Tanev
Kylington - Zadorov
Meloche

Markstrom
Vladar

I think Pelletier cracks the 3rd line with Backs and Coleman and Rooney is 13th forward with Ruzicka centering Lucic and Lewis

[djsFlames]

Given the cap space I think it's Milano.

Small, outside chance to LandPhil but I see that as more of a fan-driven fantasy than realistic move. Don't think Brad is looking for any more players into their 30s.

[Reggie Dunlop]

Like others have opined, maybe move a stalled defensive prospect like Valimaki for a once-highly touted forward in similar circumstances: A swap of reclamation projects if you will.

If it doesn't work out, you waive the player and/or he walks down the hall to the Wranglers' dressing room.

[Reggie Dunlop]

Originally Posted by CaptainYooh

I think Kessel is done and done. I watched him at the warm up in March or April this year, he wasn’t even pretending to be in it.

He might get a PTO somewhere, but I think teams would be reticent to sign him, even at league minimum. He's not the best-conditioned athlete and that's usually a huge deal with an older player. He's an injury waiting to happen.

[Sofa GM]

Originally Posted by djsFlames

Given the cap space I think it's Milano.

Small, outside chance to LandPhil but I see that as more of a fan-driven fantasy than realistic move. Don't think Brad is looking for any more players into their 30s.

Depends how the Flames see Pelletier, if they think he cracks the lineup I don’t think you make this type of signing. Pelletier isn’t (or shouldn’t) play 4th line minutes, doesn’t make sense

[Flamesfan05]

They’ll run with a new loaded first line

Huberdeau Kadri Lindholm

[camm13]

Originally Posted by Flamesfan05

They’ll run with a new loaded first line

Huberdeau Kadri Lindholm

Yeah I doubt that. Lindy, Kadri, Backlund is the 1-2-3 punch center depth we've been waiting for ever for.

[Burning Beard]

I was thinking they should run with a line called "The Centers"

Kadri-Lindholm-Backlund

[jayswin]

Originally Posted by camm13

Yeah I doubt that. Lindy, Kadri, Backlund is the 1-2-3 punch center depth we've been waiting for ever for.

Yeah this centres are likely set as proper centre depth was something Brad pointed out as lacking in the past.