I think Porty's point is broadly correct that Laine and Gaudreau don't mesh, and it's awkward trying to get them each going on separate lines when we also have so many young players to find fits for.
But the biggest part of that problem right now is that Laine is just awful. You can say that Laine + Gaudreau is bad but Laine + anyone is bad right now.
Laine has a good excuse with his concussion but this is also the third time in his career where Laine has been beyond awful for a months long stretch. His first season with the Jackets was the middle of the three, while his third season in the league he was a disaster from December onward.
I'm inclined to think that Gaudreau can still be a great fit here. He's playing well right now. If say, Fantilli or KJ take a step to give him some insulation, or if we make a big acquisition, it's possible that Gaudreau can really really take off.
I'd be willing to believe that if I didn't remember the second season here and who was effectively pulling the team when the other lines were playing poorly so that we had a chance to play PO, unfortunately one line doesn't make the weather. By the way, if you noticed, he's had one-timer problems not only in the season, but also in the preseason.
Btw, you forgot his age in that season's.
I agree that the young players should be given more time. I think the first three lines should get about the same amount of time, and the fourth line's time should be reduced even if Danforth (I am not happy but I doubt Kuraly can play much time) plays there. Of course 5:5 but it isn't.Than young boys and loses tempo on the contrary, the first line starts to get tired, which can affect the game in the 3rd period. When they need to increase the pace and score goals teams usually play with the top three announced. We also use checkers long, in doing so we reduce the time of the rookies. The result is often... Well you see.
Another problem is the large number of players. They all come back and what happens? Roslovic will get more time than Chinakhov and Johnson, Sillinger also won't play on the fourth line. What now? Replacing players won't help much as other players will come in for them. And we just won't get draft picks. Unless a few players for one player, but that makes no sense as I doubt it's possible. My idea:
Gaudreau - Sillinger - Marchenko
Voronkov - Fantilli - Laine
Johnson - Jenner - Chinakhov
Olivier - Kuraly - Danforth
Again, TOP 9 should the same time. The best line could increase pace.
EDIT: these lines are for FO too.
