Batherson think 2013-2016 Blake Wheeler
Pinto think 2018-2020 Danault
Whoever brought up Schiefele for Norris is bang on imo
I like that one, but Schiefele might be a little meaner and more physical/imposing than Norris will be imo. Although its fair to say that Norris might add more of that to his game in the future.
Hes only 6'1 compared to Brady and Batherson who are both 6'3/6'4 each. But hes surprisingly over 200lbs and within 10bls of Brady. So hes absolutely got the thick build needed to play that hard one day, hopefully.
I sure hope Im not wrong, but my gut tells me that a prime Norris and Pinto could be the best combo of centermen this team has ever had before. Spezza likely has the claim to being the best, or at least the highest peak offensively by a ways.
But hypothetically speaking, having two powerful centers that are capable 60-70pts in their prime, both are two-way beasts - yet still unique in their own ways (Norris a bit flashier and Pinto more reliable/safe/) - its a better combo than a 80-90pt Spezza and a 45-55pt Fisher/Schaeffer or Turris. Imo.
Speaking in hypotheticals again here, but there is no drop off in offense or defense between the two top lines if we balance it out by having Stutzle with Pinto. A old wiley vet like Giroux who can play RW would be a thing of beauty to round it out over the next 2-3 years...