Good hockey discussion with knowledgeable people. And finally looking at not just what we have now, or opening day, but rather looking at the long haul. I think a lot of this is trust in Carbery, Mack, and Patrick.
Here is a crazy thought/scenario. OV really thrived last year with McMichael as his center. So what about:
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McMike and OV connection. Protas who has eyes and can battle in the corner and find OV on a sneaky pinch. then you have a big physical second line with PLD on Wing, Strome at Center and Wilson at wing. That is a lot of beef and chaos that can score (assuming chemistry). third line is sneaky skill and fourth line is solid checking line with Frank in the wings waiting.