I guess I will continue to stand out on this ledge with the following things:
I am a firm believer that Borgstrom is going to get a legit shot to succeed here. How legit? I again will say I think he starts off with Kane to see what he can do. I like his size, his hands, his creativity as well as his left shot. In order to really make that click, you need a puck hound on that line- enter Hagel. Fresh off a nice 3 year deal, what better way to earn in than doing the dog shit work on a line with HOFer Kane! Hagel would work well on this line as he would create enough havoc on the ice to help create space for Kane...plus, Hagel is more offensively gifted than many give credit for, he could really perform well here.
Hagel - Borgstrom - Kane
Next up is the Dach line. As much as I want Kane and Cat and was a big proponent of both together despite many bitching on here over 2 top 10 scoring wingers in the game, setting him with his futre might make the most sense. We have to imagine Cat and Dach will be our future 1-2 punch once Kane is reduced in a role (who the hell knows when that will be, Kane might play forever!). But, it still make sense to put these two together. Now, you have a couple options here with who to work with them. Johnson is my logical choice (Kurashev the other) since he could provide that two way support those 2 would really need. I also like Johnson with Toews, but if a healthy Toews out the gate, I say line him up with these 2 and watch him produce some numbers.
DeBrincat - Dach - Johnson
This third line or however you want to deploy them would allow Toews some time to get back and get acclimated again to the speed of the game. Taking an entire year off isn't easy to come back at 33 years old. I like the combo of Kubalik and Toews and think they could do very well together here. The other side is the wild card for me- Nylander/Strome. If we don't trade Strome away, he has to be in the lineup somewhere, and playing here might be his best bet. I really want Nylander to get a solid 20-30 games playing top 9 to see what he can do...If anyone can get Nylander to play consistent, maybe the Captain can...either way I like the line and what it could do.
Kubalik - Toews - Nylander/Strome
And that 4th line is what it is- pretty solid if Kurashev is truly on that line. Both he and Carps can play center, and another wild card Gaudette can play center as well, but I believe is best suited for the wing. This line could be something, spark starting kind of line. They have skill, won't be terrible in their own zone as well. Hardman is the other wild card here that might force his way onto this line. If Strome makes the team, then I can't see Nylander dropping down to here like he did before, we have too many bodies as is..but I like this line and what it is capable of.
Kurashev - Carpenter - Gaudette/Hardman
Overall, I have tweaked my lines up a bit, we all know nothing is static, but the below lines I would like to see out the gate and will stand firm on the belief that if these are the guys we are icing, this is the best option for them.
Hagel - Borgstrom - Kane
DeBrincat - Dach - Johnson
Kubalik - Toews - Nylander/Strome
Kurashev - Carpenter - Gaudette/Hardman/Khaira