I think I’m happy with either iteration of the top 6 forward core – no matter how you assemble those 6 guys, it looks like a very dangerous duo of lines. Argument can definitely be made to keep Maccelli – Bjugstad – Crouse together because they were great last year, but given how promising Maccelli is as he develops I’d like to see him get consistent top 6 minutes, and Bjugstad and Crouse, while great players, are more third liners than top 6 (not to mention those two on a third line is absolutely killer).
The fourth line is where I’m most up in the air. I’m definitely sold on Kerfoot, absolutely love his game. Stenlund is extremely solid defensively and an ideal fourth liner who just won a cup, so it seems odd not to have him there. That leaves Carcone, McBain, and O’Brien in an odd limbo space competing for the final spot.
Carcone was surprisingly good last year, but I’m not so sure he can repeat the performance (nothing against him at all, love the guy). McBain is young and shows a little promise but he doesn’t really seem to be progressing much year to year and there just isn’t space for him elsewhere. And O’Brien is O’Brien. He’s a hard hitter and energy player, but boy oh boy his penalty minutes…. If GMBA didn’t love him so much, I would’ve hoped to trade him away this offseason. Again, nothing against him because he has big energy and seems like a great guy, but I just don’t see how he fits EXCEPT to provide a physical presence to look after the many younger guys on this roster.
Finally, Defense. Sergachev is number 1, obviously. I can see an argument for pairing Durzi with him (huge fan of Durzi) but they play a similar game that’s probably better spread across the top 2 pairs as a sort of double threat rather than centralized together. Personally, I think Marino with Sergachev looks best, I’m just really not sold on Valimaki on the second pair yet – but maybe I’m underestimating him.
Anyway, I’d love to hear you guys’ thoughts. I’m at work counting every second till the new season starts lol.
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I’m gonna leave the line pairing up to the coaching staff… but I’m glad you’re enthusiastic about potential linemates OP. Plus… way too early.
They’re gonna get swapped so many times throughout the season, I don’t have the brain space to think about the line combos in July haha
McBain should absolutely be in the lineup. It may be that Bjugstad (maybe), Stenlund, and O’Brian rotate in and out.
Initial thoughts as a new fan… Are Tij Iginla and other other first few picks not going to play on the team next year?
I would think you separate Durzi and Sergachev since they’re the 2 more offensive defenseman, yeah?
If Ingram can make another step, this is actually a pretty deep team that reminds me of Seattle 2022-2023