I like that lineup. Couple changes I would make, I would put Grizz in Millers spot, and I'm starting to think that the third line center slot will be Studnicka's, at least for a 9 game try out. I would also consider swapping Heinen and Bjork. Heinen is a really smart player that could think the game well with Marchand and Bergeron, and then you have a really fast third line that could create matchup problems.

I think McQuaid, much as we love him, won't bring any more than a 4th.

The biggest problem I think is that the B's aren't likely to put 3 young players like that on the 3rd line without an established defensive presence. I also believe that even though its probably where he belongs, they'll be reluctant to put a 6m salary on the 4th line. I love who Backes is and what he brings, but man do I hate that contract...

As for the D - Grzelcyk is a left D so he doesn't really fit in Miller's spot. Miller can play his off side, but Grizz has only played left side in the NHL. I have no idea what they'll actually do, but I could envision Moore on the second pairing with Carlo as a shutdown pair and them dropping Krug to the third pair, giving him favorable zone starts and doubling him up on the powerplay to get his minutes in. I'm honestly not sure what they do with Grizz after the Moore acquisition because I think he belongs in the lineup, but there may be no good spot for him.

Yes I agree. I don't want Backes on the 4th, but I simply don't know where to place him. Neither of Heinen, Donato or Bjork would get any benefit from playing there. I still think Backes is an effective NHL player and brings grit to a young team. It looks like Grzelcyk will be the odd man out, until injuries (knock on wood) start happening.

I like it . McQuaid isn't worth a 3rd though he is a bottom pair thug and maybe a 4th or a low prospect, I hate to say it but I think they are serious about kuraly being that 3rd line center. I hate it you hate it everyone hates it but I cant see them putting donato and a rookie center together even one who looks like he will have a good 2way game. I hope they try it and not just default to kuraly at the 3rd line. Heinen is a decent 2 way guy so he might help some.

Not sure I want 3 rookies on a line together. Not to mention I don't know if Bjork will even be ready to start the season. His surgery + recovery time put him out of commission until late August/early September, so IDK how much training he's done in the off-season. Another wrinkle I'd throw into this...Studnicka #1 RW with Bergy/Marchy. He played RW for Canada at the showcase and says he's comfortable playing RW. Maybe split some time between #3C and #1RW. I think a kid like Studnicka could benefit greatly (development wise) from playing with Bergeron.

That's a good point. Let me say, that I'm super high on Studnicka. On my "please don't trade him list," there's the first line, Debrusk, Carlo, McAvoy, Grizz, and Studnicka. I really would like him to be a center long term, so as long as he doesn't forget how to play up the middle I think that's an interesting option. That is how bergeron broke into the league afterall.

I think Studnicka has the highest ceiling of the 3 for sure. I see him as a hybrid of Bergeron/Krejci in that he has a 2-way game like Bergeron, but more of a setup guy (with a sneaky shot) like Krejci. I think you could almost move him around too or if JFK isn't working or goes down, you could slot him back at #3C.

Ya, I just want him to be on the team. His learning curve has been so impressive and he really pays attention to all facets of the game. I think they found an absolute gem with the stud, and a lot of their prospects i'm not very high on (senyshyn suuuuuuuuuuucks). Starting him on the top line is a very interesting idea. I don't think he's eligible for AHL this year so I would without question give him at least 9 games.

Correct, if he doesn't make the team he goes back to his junior team. I will say I disagree with you on Senyshyn. He was asked to play a more defensive role last year in order to work on his defensive game. He played some PK, but no PP and had guys like Blidh and Cave as line-mates. Senyshyn will get top 6 minutes this year (maybe even #1RW for Providence) so his offense should be significantly better.

Has anyone observed Krug with Carlo,nasty, awful 5 on 5.