Lets Talk Lines!

[horse430]

If the season started today, here is how I would like the lines to shake out. I think this forms our most balanced lineup at least to start the year until Sunny returns:

Saad-O'Reilly-Perron
-This is your shutdown line that faces the other teams best line that can also provide offense for you

Buchnevich-Schenn-Tarasenko
-Hard-working line that can generate offense both off the rush and by cycling

Kostin-Thomas-Kyrou
-The new kid line, lots of speed, lots of skill, let's see what kostin can do in a regular role

Brown-Barbashev-Bozak
-Rotate Barbashev and Bozak for who is center depending on where the draw is getting them on their strong side

Krug-Faulk
-Thought they worked well together at times last year. Big year for Krug

Scandella-Parayko
-Can Parayko find his old form?

Mikkola-Bortuzzo
-This is to start the year. I am hoping this is not the pairing at the end of the year

Binnington
Husso
-This one is obvious

Scratches:
Clifford
Mac
Walman

The goal is to get Sunny Healthy and see how Perunovich develops in Springfield. I would love to see either him or Walman steal one of the spots from Mikkola or Bortuzzo even though I do like them both in a limited role

Thoughts?

[glen a richter]

Brown? Why?

[theohall]

I don't see Logan Brown starting on this roster. So what if they traded Sanford for him.

Much more likely for the bottom 2 lines:

Barbashev-Thomas-Kyrou
Clifford-Bozak-Kostin/MacEachern

This is all dependent on if Neal or Frolik wind up getting contracts. If Neal makes the team, expect MacEachern to be sent down. Neal-Bozak-Kostin could make noise as a 4th line usually on the ice against other teams 3rd/4th lines.

Defense also depends on whether or not Perunovich makes the roster, which he should. This would have Perunovich and either Walman or Mikkola dividing time on the 3rd pairing until Perunovich has played enough to be either Faulk or Parayko's regular partner. This should be the Blues longer term plan for this season. My bet is Walman gets sent down again.