Which is why I don't see But or Simachev starting off with the big club. Odds are they will be there well before the end of the season (TDL would be the optimal), but they're going to need time adapting to the NHL game.
I think they start with the club, but only see 50ish games in the 8-13 minute range. Something like this:
Keller - Cooley - Guenther
Crouse - Hayton - Schmaltz
Maccelli - McBain - Doan
But - Stenlund - Kerfoot
O'Brian
Sergachev - Marino
Maatta - Durzi
Cole - Kesselring
Simashev, DiSimone
That's a pretty reasonable lineup. Now if either one is not NHL ready, I absolutely agree they'll go to the A, or stay in Russia, but But seems like he may be near ready.
@Heldig we would be young, but we still need to work in Iginla the following season (before his injury he was looking soo good in the few games I caught).
I want to use Maccelli and a 2025 1st for a middle 6 center. Zacha could be a stellar option. He's rangy and moves pretty good. He's more of a passer than a shooter, but that's fine. If we can get 50ish points and solid defense out of him for 2 seasons, I'd be stoked.
Compher is really intriguing to me as well. I don't know what Detroit's appetite to move him would be, but he has a decent net front presence and plays well defensively.
Keller - Cooley - Guenther
Crouse - Hayton - Schmaltz
But - Zacha/Compher - Doan
Kerfoot - McBain - Stenlund
O'Brian