Tkachuk - Stutzle - Norris
Perron - Pinto - Batherson
Cousins - Greig - Giroux
Gregor - Jenik - Amadio
Sanderson - Jensen
Chabot - Zub
Kleven - Hamonic
I've shifted my summer alignment in light of a few factors:
- Norris should not be taking faceoffs
- Jenik camp performance to date
- Cousins signing
I've got Norris playing his off side on the first line, as he would be the only right wing skater capable of keeping pace with Stutzle, while his left shot one timer would be maximized and he'd be the third faceoff option. He'd be breaking out blind which means potential for shoulder contact, but let's face it, Stutzle is a one man breakout machine much of the time.
Perron on the left is not ideal, but he's skilled on the boards on his backhand for the breakout, he'd have quality linemates, and his right shot one timer is open in the offensive zone.
I slotted Giroux down on the third line simply because he loses his legs after the first half of his shifts and would be in a position to fail with top 6 minutes. He can produce just fine against middle/bottom six even strength opposition given the skill gap.
Fourth line centre is clearly up for debate, with Jenik ahead at the moment. Haven't seen enough from Highmore; Gaudette is a skill guy and minus player who won't play heavy enough. Ostapchuk can still make it with a strong week, and this roster could use his frame and grit. But Jenik is battling well.