Also an outsider, but I think Engelland plays as well as Glass, Eakin may slot down to 4C (but still get good playing time) because I cant see Pirri being able to play in a checking line role

I see Eakin at 4C, Glass at 3C and Pirri/Nosek rotating on 3LW. I think Glass is ready, but he could prove everyone wrong in the preseason. I don't think one more season in Chicago would be the end of the world, especially with the fact that Eakin is on the last year of this deal and Glass could step in next season, but you also don't want to wait too long. If he's ready, play him. I don't necessarily like Eakin on the fourth line, but I think he would be a good fit there. He busts six on both ends and could make up in the speed and gas tank department where Reavo lacks. I'd love to see Marchy and Stone on the same line based off of how they played at worlds this year, probably with swapping Stone and Smith.

The defense is friggin tricky. I'd have Theodore/Schmidt, McNabb/Whitecloud-Coghlan, Merrill/Engelland-Holden. Trading away Miller stripped em on the right side and Engo isn't getting any younger. I think there are going to be a lot of different set ups there as Shea-Engo and McNabb-Schmidt have always played well together. Who gets the call up is also going to be something. I lean towards Whitecloud or Coghlan with them being right hand shots and I have the same left hand right hand mentality as you. The only other right hand shot on the roster is Engo, but I see him as being a scratch option with Holden at the 7D spot. Holden didn't impress last year and I wouldn't be heartbroken if he was traded. I thought Merrill did impress last year and showed great improvements, but if he shows regression, I wouldn't be surprised if Hague or Schuldt was called up and he was moved out as well.

One other thing that intrigues me is the backup goalie spot. Bringing in Sparks this off season I think gave Subban some competition. If Subban doesn't step his game up, you could see Sparks backing up Fluery this year. Hell, you could even see Subban start the year in Chicago.

The talent pool is deep at defense, with four rookies (with you mentioning Coghlan) all challenging for NHL duty. Fascinating!

Thank you very much for your detailed view! Much appreciated.