I like the idea of using Trocheck on the 3rd line in a match up role. Since he mostly played with Panarin last season he winded up having the 2nd most 5v5 time behind Artemi. Zibanejad had less 5v5 time than him. Trocheck was fine last season but that duo of him and AP wasn't inspiring. Maybe find a way to get Chytil some more 5v5 time and start using Trocheck in a more defensive role, more PK minutes. One of the best face-off guys in the league. Gallant underutilized him in that aspect. He played more than double the PK minutes in Carolina the season prior.
Fumbling with a bunch of different combinations that could make sense..
Panarin Zibanejad Wheeler
Laf Chytil Kakko
Kreider Trocheck Goodrow/Vesey
Stack the top line. Zibanejad's most productive line this past season was him, Panarin and Tarasenko, despite being his 3rd most played line combination. Him, Kreider and Vesey was his 2nd most played line combo. Put some talent with the guy, it'd be nice to have someone else that can create on his line. Keep the kids together. That line has had glimpses where they're the most dominant line of either team throughout a game. Next you have that veteran match-up line. After that top line you run the hot combo. If the kids are buzzing play them more. If the vets are buzzing you play them. You need to protect a lead you play them.
Wouldn't mind swapping Laf and Panarin there either.
Kreider Zibanejad Wheeler
Panarin Chytil Kakko
Laf Trocheck Goodrow/Vesey
Keep the CK/Zib duo. After Buch got traded that RW spot next to them has been a revolving door of young players, role players and deadline acquisitions. Wheeler is still a good player that should be able to compliment that duo. I like that next line. I dont mind flipping Kakko with Wheeler but Chytil & Kakko have shown good chemistry. They can create space and draw in defenders circling the zone. The idea that Panarin is on the receiving end of their ability to work the zone is sweet. Laf saw some time with Panarin and Trocheck this year, Kakko got some the year prior. Aside from Strome, Trocheck, etc.. we've also seen a decent chunk of time go to Hunt, Goodrow and Vesey with AP under Gallant. Quite frankly, we have very little idea of how the young players might gel with Panarin. Chytil has hardly ever got the chance. Kakko and Laf have gotten limited opportunity. The biggest thing for the young players is not to defer. Times where they've gotten split up and put with the vets they stop playing their game and unload everything to the older players. If they're not playing together this year they need to stick to their game. That 3rd line above is the same idea as the other one. All 3 of those guys are physical, it should be a hard line to play against.
