I sure hoping your wrong on Connolly as I'm betting he's a sure top 6.
I don't think he's a sure top 6, but a lot of Tampa Bay fans said they'd be shocked if he didn't get 20 goals next year. They felt like he was turning the corner. They were pretty happy with the return but they knew he'll be a good player.
If we put him with Krejci I think he could reach 20. He has an absolutely lethal shot. He's also a slower player, more like a Lucic/Iginla. He has big balls, he's really physical and doesn't back down from anyone. He's worked really well with those types of players. Krejci really has never had anyone with an elite shot at his side, maybe that'll change. I'd go:
Eriksson-Krejci-Conolly
Marchand-Bergeron-Hayes
Beleskey-Spooner-Pastrnak
Rinaldo-Kelly-Talbot
Kemmpainen(sp)
Chara-X
Krug-Seidenberg
Irwin-McQuaid
Miller
Rask
X
Some notes, I really think Loui and Krejci will be together from camp. Krejci was really expecting to play with Loui last year and it never happened... He seemed pretty upset about it too. Like I said above with Connolly, he would fit well with him. He adds some defensive skill to the line and will put anything in front of the net in. Krejci sets them up, Connolly makes space and shoots, Eriksson gets the dirty goals and is a big help defensively. Not so sure about the 2nd line, but I think Hayes will end up there. He's huge and had nearly 20 goals last year. If Smith can mooch himself to that with Bergy and Marshy I'm sure he can too. I really want to keep Spooner and Pastrnak together, and I think with Beleskey that will be a really good 3rd line. Can't see Kelly going if he hasn't yet.
For the defense, I really don't think Sweeney is done. He wants to make the playoffs and that won't happen with Trotman on the 1st pairing. Whether it's Franson, Oduya, Ehrhoff, or a trade, I think a defenseman is definitely coming. No idea about the backup goalie. I also expect them to rotate Miller/Irwin/McQuaid like they did with Krug/Bart/Hamilton back in 2013-14.