Best case update

bark bark

That 2LW spot will be tricky to fill assuming that both Bergy and Krej don't come back. And if neither comeback, the center spots will be a mess. I get the feeling we are in for a lot of line jumbling and call-ups this season.

There’s no reason for Monty to NOT try this line-up. I like the idea of giving Lauko a chance to profit from his countrymen's chemistry! The only change I would make is to try and deal Forbort with picks to be able to give Bergeron, Swayman and Frederick more money. Zboril can slot in as 3LD.

I think the 3LW and 2LW will be a mix of Freddie, Merkulov and JVR. Lauko probably jumps around the 3rd and 4th line.

I think Brown ends up your 13th forward and Greer might end up on waivers/traded for nothing. He's a serviceable 4th line guy but I think Lauko obviously outplayed him last year.

Also would not be surprised if Geekie stays in the top 9 after hearing both him and Don Sweeney say that he will have an expanded role/more minutes.