At first glance, I thought the M was for Hayes. So I was wondering if Mean Michael Hayes of the Fabulous Free Birds was suddenly going to be our third-line center!
For the record, I would not have an issue if Hayes starts out as Malkin's RW. It makes sense on the surface because he has extensive history playing his off-wing, and his defensive chops can mesh well with Malkin. That said, splitting up Bunting and Malkin would be egregious even for Sullivan. If we are keeping the first line intact to begin camp,
and in my opinion we should based on late last season, then we most definitely should keep Bunting on Malkin's line.
O'Connor-Crosby-Rust
Bunting-Malkin-Hayes
McGroarty-Eller-Rakell
Puljujarvi-Lizotte-Puustinen
This is what I would like to see to start the season. Poulin is not waivers exempt, so if he has even a decent camp I would hang onto him as a 13th or 14th forward. That leaves Beauvillier, Acciari and Glass battling the prospects for the final roster spot up front.
I am sure Sullivan has other ideas, and that is frightening.