Necas definitely should be higher in the lineup than Fast. Having him with Svech and Trocheck would create a really dangerous line, while Foegele - Staal - Fast would be the line coach uses against best players

The rumor going around these parts is that Brindy wants Necas to learn from Jordo in regards to how to play a good centerman's game in the NHL. He still plays a somewhat one-way, offense-or-bust style, so if he wants to be a long-term 2C for us, he'll have to learn the defensive ropes before he slides next to Trocheck.

As an objective observer, if they each have decent chemistry, those first 3 lines are amazingly balanced and each dangerous in its own right. And if Dzingel ever finds his game again to bolster the 4th line, should be a top 5 fwd group in the league. Which is insane since the defence is already top 5. This should be the Canes year to really go for it.

100% agree. Then, if Cotton and Geekie become full-time NHLers and supplant the couple of contracts necessary to amp up the goaltending, they'll be a top contender next season.