EP line is the match-up line, should play against the opposing top lines.
Miller line worked for Boudreau last year, will likely stick with it to start.
On paper, Kuzmenko best fits with Horvat. Personally, I think Garland will be the forward moved.
Obviously Dakota or Lockwood are better suited on this line than Hoglander. But it never hurts to have skill on your fourth line, and the salary fits, for now.
Ideally I'm sure they'd like Poolman to spell off Schenn throughout the year, we'll see. That top RD spot remains their biggest question mark, despite Schenn stepping up in a big way last year.
The OEL/Myers pairing was solid through most of last season, tailed off late as fatigue and injury set in. Adding Rathbone and Dermott to the bottom of the group should help. As should what they've added to the minor league group, along with a healthy Brady Keeper. I think this defense is close to where it needs to be, but they need an answer for that top RD spot.
Goaltending is what it is, strongest position in the organization, and it will only get stronger when they get the young man from Finland in the fold.
IMO, this is a playoff team, and should have been one last year. I still look at what this young core did in the bubble and think that this team can do serious damage once it gets back in.
But this will be a competitive division this year, with 6 teams capable of making the playoffs. They can't afford another bad start, or even an average one. They have to be ready to go hard straight out of the gate.
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