Hanzal won't be available opening night.

He isn't? Oh dear. Another long season for him. Would you think Shore moves to C3 and Smith slides in LW3?

Yeah, unfortunately Hanzal is out till late November/early December. I would like to see Pitlick and Janmark on the same line, so maybe move both of them up to the 3rd line and pop Smith into the 4th? Who knows. Hopefully Nichushkin can reignite Spezza's game as well.

Yeah. Not the hugest Stars fan but they need a good year. Should be a really exciting team to watch, especially with Heiskanen and Honka improving.

Benn-Seguin-Radulov
Janmark-Spezza-Nichushkin
Comeau-Faksa-Pitlick

The Stars top-9 is pretty much set in stone. The 4th line will have Shore, and likely Ritchie on it. That final spot will come down to Smith, Dickinson, and Elie.

Also, Monty has said that Heiskanen will be paired with either Johns or Methot, at least to start the season.

Ah ok. Obviously my Stars knowledge is lacking.