It’s not an anchor that’s why I’m hoping someone will take it.
That top 6 sounds like it will be bottom of the league again
I don’t think so but we can have differing opinions.
Suzuki has never missed a game in his NHL career and his previous three seasons were 61, 66 and then 77 points last season. He has 24 points in 24 games this year. While he is not a super star he has grown into just about a point per game player who has a solid defensive side.
Caufield has 16 goals through 24 games. I’m sure his pace will slow off a bit but I can’t see how he will not be a 30-35 goal scorer per year. He may max out at more but I’m being realistic.
Slafkovsky plays his best hockey with those two players. They started off the season together and then Slafkovsky has been on lower lines. Not sure why but his future is with these two and he had 50 points last year as a 19 year old. I can’t see why he won’t be a 60 plus point player in the future.
I was listening to a podcast and they talked about this line. Last year from the half way point on they were the sixth most productive line in the NHL. Short sample size but all three players have time on their side.
Now on to the second line;
Dach is still only 23 but has missed two full seasons due to injury. Not looking for excuses but that is a pretty big one. My hopes is that he manages to turn it around the second half of the season. Getting Laine back should help him as he is a playmaker more than a goal scorer.
Laine will help when he returns. I know he will not come back as the Laine of his first few years but I am hoping to have a 25-30 goal scorer. He should make the power play instantly better. Even if he doesn’t score a lot he will get the respect from other teams and players will cover him more and leave other players a little more open.
Demidov looks to be the real thing. He is getting very limited ice time in the KHL and is producing. He will make the jump over for next year and he will play a top six role in the near future.
Add in the fact that Montreal looks to be getting a top draft pick this year too. Possibility throw in a Misa, Martone or Hagens prospect and it will bump someone down.