This is my preferred lineup for next season. Lemme preface by saying that I'd love to see Motte return, but I think with Blais coming back, Othmann being an option, and the Rydahl signing, he probably leaves. I'm guessing he wants a long term deal in the 2-2.5M range, which the Rangers can't afford with upcoming Miller, Laffy, Chytil, and Kravtsov extensions.
Let's start with the 1st line. Panarin has been on the 2nd line for too long, it's about time he gets decent linemates to pass to, and Zibanejad and Kreider are amazing options. On the occasions we saw this line last season, it was amazing, statistically our best line in the regular season, with 3.01xGF/60 and 1.97xGA/60, which is significantly better than either the KZL and KZK lines. This is a line with an elite goal scorer and net front presence, a 2 way center with excellent passing and a good shot, and one of the best passers in the league, I can see no reason why it shouldn't work. Kreider has also shown he can play on the right, so that shouldn't be a problem.
Now, the 2nd line is the reason why the 1st line should be possible. While it wasn't a massive sample size, the kid line was by far the best, and most consistent line on the team in the playoffs, and with all three players blooming, it should only get better. Plus, having all our young talents build chemistry only bodes well for the future. Alternatively, we could look at having Copp move up and either Chytil or Kakko moving down, to have a veteran precense, but I'd love to try this out first.
With those two lines, we can do a lot with the 3rd line. The return of Kravtsov and Blais, and Othmann blooming in the OHL, we haven't had a deeper team for years. In this lineup, the 3rd line is a bonafide scoring threat, with Othmann and Kravtsov on the wings, centering Copp. There's also the possibility for Blais or Goodrow moving up, in case Othmann doesn't work this season, which would make the line a bit more defensively minded, while still being a skilled line.
The 4th line is probably the least interesting. We've seen the Blais - Rooney - Reaves line before, we've seen Goodrow - Rooney - Reaves, and we've learned that any 4th line with Goodrow and Reaves will be good defensively, and occasionally present an offensive threat. Blais would give it some more offense and forechecking, which is exactly the mindset that has worked for the line in the past. If needed, Rydahl, Brodzinski, Hunt, and even Trivigno are all viable options to fill in, in case Goodrow or Blais is moved up.
In conclusion, I love this team, and I bet it'll be a lot better next year that it was this year. The absence of Strome is gonna hurt, despite his reputation he was a solid player, however throwing Blais, Kravtsov, and Othmann into the equation is only gonna give the team more room to play. I'm hoping it'll be the team we thought we had last season, the team we saw way too little of. A deep, talented team that can play a defensive game, and which has an extremely explosive offense.
Copp will want more money and signing him puts us in an even worse cap crunch. You either sign a cheap 2/3C and trade for a cheap one. Mika, Chytil, Goodrow, Rydahl are our centers right now. With the prospects we have we should not be hugging them and make a deal for a center that is cheap and under contract for 2-3 seasons aka Yanni Gourde.
On paper- this is a nice lineup. Copp will get 1M more at a minimum- but that can still work with this lineup. Next summer's cap crunch is a disaster, though- about 17M to get 8 or 9 more players under contract...4 of whom are highly valued RFAs. So it kind of comes down to the decision of whether to keep Copp or let him walk. If he's extended- that's probably followed up w/ a move Drury makes to avoid being bent over a barrel next summer. If Copp walks Drury must then decide upon having faith in the roster as is (without Strome/Copp) or adding a temporary 3C on a 1 year deal (Stastny? Bergeron? Malkin? just to name a few). Doubt Malkin or Bergeron are realistic options- but if they move Reaves and have that $ available to pad a 1 year offer? who knows.
I think Copp is going to get more something like 5 years @ 5.3 is where Drury wants it to be, so could go 6 @ 5.25.
Id expect to see potentially Will Cuylle with the big club before Othmann, he's a year older (20) better size (6'4 -213) & probably better suited to the bottom 6 initially than Othmann. Cuylle plays with more of an edge & may be more to Gallant's liking, style & the kid can score as well.
Othmann is also ineligible to play in the AHL while Cuylle is, so that added flexibility could also be a factor. Othmann playing in the bottom 6 as a 19 year old may not be the best developmental option longer term.
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