I hear what you're saying. I'd prefer to see

Kubs - Toews - Dach... Dach plays a cylce game like Toews, but is also a playmaker which can feed Kubalik's snipe.
Debrincat - Borgstrom Kane ... I don't think Borgstrom is the given #2C, but I do see shades of this line carrying the center much like the AK72 line did.
Hagel - Strome - TJ ... Strome is a more natural center, but TJ can take the faceoffs if Strome isn't performing well. Both Hagel and TJ are energy guys which helps Strome's more methodical pace.
JK - Gaudetter - PK - This is a rotation in my mind.

I'm good with the Dpairs, but i don't think Stan/JC will keep Beaudin at the NHL level. It's too easy an excuse to put both he and Mitchell in Rockford and allow Jones/Stillman more time. They'll rotate into the NHL as needed.

Agree with everything you say and that each pairing can be feasible. I am a little skeptical about strome being with TJ and Hagel, but it’s worth a shot. The One part I do disagree with though is the use of kurashev. I don’t believe he should be a fourth liner given how well he played last year. He deserves top 6 minutes with toews or whoever else. I don’t wanna send our prospects the wrong message when we prioritize youth we trade over youth we develop.

Yeah, I hear ya on that too. I think we kinda are with Jones/Stillman. I just don't want to rush Kurashev into too much. I really like his game. He's fast and strong with the puck. I want to see him get more comfortable/in control with the puck the offensive zone.

Surprised Dach is in the line up…

Why’s that? Did he get injured again?

Okay, I definitely get your feeling on kurashev, and it’s very fair. I’m all about giving prospects and youngsters the time they deserve to make their way in the NHL. However, here’s a big theory I have on prospects: I don’t care what round or what number you are picked at, you put in the work, you get your chances. Kurashev fits that criteria in my mind, even more than Hagel! Most importantly though, if pushing kurashev too far too fast is an issue, then I’d argue that Dach shouldn’t be in the top 6 either. His first two years have been so so and realistically the only reason he’s propped up as he is is because of his draft spot. I’m not throwing shade, I just wanna see every prospect, regardless of draft position, earn what they get. Kurashev, without exception, is the best of the lot in my opinion in terms of the work put in.

Yeah, I hear ya on Dach too. I would have kept in the WHL one more year. Stan didn't. I know Dach hasn't put up tremendous point totals, but in my mind he's worked the boards REALLY well. Better than a lot of veterans. When it comes to maneuvering the puck and keeping possession...I do see shades of Hossa there. He 100% needs ice time. Fluke Injury, yeah. Sucks for everyone involved.

I'm a bit torn on "draft status" because 99.9% of the time...I do agree with you. I think things get a bit murkier when you're a top 10 pick. Take out the name Dach and insert Strome (or anyone). I do think AZ messed up his development with the back and forth OHL, NHL, OHL, AHL, NHL...etc... To a degree, I think CHI is doing the same with the center to wing constant transitioning. When you're a top 10 pick...you've been selected because you're ceiling is supposed to be "elite". You need elite players to win cups. Of course the Nail Yakupov's of the world exist...AND the Mark Stone's of the world do too. So it's not just top 10 picks that become elite. It's just that it's more likely to be the case.