In House options -
Nelson
Kovar
Beauvillier
*Ho-Sang's camp performance may also factor in the decision.
Kovar could have been brought in to simply push Nelson. Nelson historically has played well with Lee and may excel in that spot. Always considered Nelson a poor man's Tavares.
What happens to Kovar if Nelson is the 2C? If he Makes the team, then he is the 13th F and Keeps Nelson and others working hard. Or he doesn't make the team and decides to go back to the KHL and terminate the contract.
If Kovar wins the no. 2 C, then Nelson can move to Filppula's Wing with either Ladd, Komarov, or Ho-Sang. Or he can get traded. Like most, I believe Nelson is a better W than C. Nelson could always be moved for a D man in the coming months. But who? Because Nelson is not getting you Faulk, Trouba, or Nurse
If Ho-Sang pushes the staff's hand and makes the team - he needs to play. He slots in as 3rd RW and playing with Filppula (a very good defensive F) could work. Easiest way to deal with the roster crunch would be to send down Ho-Sang, because you are not going to sit Komarov and the like. But, IMO that is not your best 12.
Beauvillier is a natural C. He excelled at C in juniors. I do not remember there being ?'s on Beau staying at C. This is an intriguing option, because if Beau can man the 2C and excel here this team can very well contend if they can get decent goaltending.
Here is an intriguing thought how about instead of Lee - Beauvillier - Bailey- they go with
Lee - Beauvillier - Ho-Sang
Move Bailey to Barzal's left on the top line.
That would create a bottom 6 of
Nelson - Filppula - Komarov
Ladd - Cizikas - Clutterbuck
With Martin and Kovar providing cover. Kuhnackl then gets waived.
Johnston goes down B'port.
If Nelson gets traded - Kuhnackl becomes 14th F. If Ho-Sang fails to impress then he is sent down and provides cover for an injury in the top 6.
I do not want to trade the 2019 #1 pick. this team can very easily be a bottom 10 finish and that draft prospect can be the long term solution at 2C