Malenstyn should also be in the mix, albeit at the expense of more upside overall perhaps. Brown would have been that sort of player. Protas, definitely. This is also an area where Mantha, for similar reasons, could be challenged to apply himself. Take up room, clog the lane, skate a bit harder at times. That sort of thing could roll over into more determined 5v5 play. CMM/Lapierre don't have the grit for it probably and you wonder if at least one won't be shipped out for a forward either more supremely skilled or capably assertive.
With Dowd & Wilson out and Oshie banged up there's a lack of consistent tonesetters up front currently. They desperately need them back for a push to qualify. Strome is fine top six C insurance at least and maybe what allows them to move on from 92 at some point but doesn't really scratch that itch as an altogether building-block type. Useful to have...but we'll see what sort of extra he can summon when the season is on the line.