Yes, I do like to talk 3rd line and top 9 a lot as well. But for now, we have to build a 2nd line before we can build the 3rd. But I do agree, when it matters (playoffs), we are going to need a very good 3rd line with a good 4th.
Teams with both skill and depth win now. Winning with top 6 and holes (Laughs/Leafs) just does not work. Leafs tried to build from the Pens model.
I think our prospect depth and expiring contracts are timed well in terms of how we shape our bottom 6F. I'm not worried about that part. But I am concerned with not enough top 6 like so many of us are.
Two key areas. Dach and who we pick in this draft. Dach has to be the center we think he can be and our 5th pick needs to be a real hit. Top 6F stud at a min or top line asset. I feel comfortable we can get
one of Demidov, Iggy, Lindstrom.