Evans I have hope for. The kid is a battler and I personally dont believe Poehling will supplant Evans on the 4th line.
Poehling has a form of work ethic, and received praise for every advancement. Evans was formed from the pits of hockey hell, and came out on top. Hes just getting his sniffs now, and I dont think he will EVER disappoint.
This is a kid who worked from 4th liner to first liner in NCAA, AHL, and now is working on his NHL resume.
He has all the intangibles. Because he needed them to get to where he is now.
Poehling I honestly have to say I see his development as a third liner or better. He'll bomb out a 4th line IMO.
Better upside, but less of a floor I guess is what I am saying.
If Poehling is walking in to camp looking to displace Evans, he is targeting the wrong guy, and will likely lose the battle against a guy who has successfully defended his ability to play hockey at every step of the way to the big leagues.
In that position, in that role (4th line elite forward: someone who can do some damage down there). Evans is the guy I believe will be more valuable. Right handed faceoff is just yet, another great intangible he possesses.
Poehling has an uphill battle at center right now.
Suzuki is looking at being the top line center.
Koktaniemi is looking at top line, or #2 center...
His best bet, Danault is considered a fantastic 2 way center, who plays a top 6 role. Contract year, has demands that might not be met... If he goes, depending on Poehlings development, he might slip in nicely there. Or that same Evans, could steal the 3rd line role from all of them...
Another way I could see a Poehling advancement is in to a top 6 LW'er role, sliding in to a center spot over time.
Anyhow, just some thoughts about Poehling v, Evans