Not bad at all, I don't know much about Mekheyev, but I think i'd rather have Kapanen start the year there...

Kapanen is a shooter and Kerfoot is a playmaker. Once Hyman is back, I'd like to see a Johnsson, Kerfoot, Kapanen 3rd line. That would be a matchup nightmare against other 3rd lines.

Mekheyev is a big guy who isn't afraid to crash the net, that sort of player is needed for the Matthews line, Nylander can be the setup guy, Matthews the shooter and a big guy to pound home rebounds and make space.

Also Kap is a RW not LW.

Good to know... I agree with your assessment that 3rd line would be real solid...

A lot of people overrate Kapanen. He's good but he's not a superstar. In fact, he's one of the most replaceable players on the team. A big drop off from Marner and Nylander.

Its anyone's guess who will be the 3rd pairing D to start the year. There is literally as many as 8 guys to choose from...

really like these lines. I do have questions, in general -not against you. the signings are also in my opinion. really like Mekheyev as Matthews gritman.

I hear much slack against Ceci, is it possible to trade him and slot Dermott as 4th dman when healthy? I would like a higher quality defensive dman for the 5-6 role

I really don't want Marincin on the team but Babs is 1000% going to have him on the team no matter what. At least he's a very good penalty killer.

Sure, I just know he's apparently agreed to a one year 4.5 million dollar deal already, so I have him slotted in there for now. Who knows, Muzzin helped Zaitsev a lot, perhaps Ceci sees the same boost? Dermott will move up once he's healthy. At which time I can see Marincin (Bab's guy) move over to the left side and Ceci would move down.