With rads pitlick Ritchie and probably guryanov on rw , nuke is all but gaurenteed to be playing lw along with benn , janmark , shore and elie . Our options are either sign a rw and keep guryanov in Texas another year or don’t sign anyone and get guryanov playing in the Nhl. There is definately potential for a big trade here though so it could all change quick.
You're assuming Ritchie will be on the roster, and I think the majority of people doubt that happens. Nill put a ton of faith in him last year to put it all together, and he fell flat on his face despite getting decent opportunities compared to most. How he stayed on the PP so long was shocking to say the least. Shore is the same boat, but he is the guy I expect to stick around unless he's part of a package for an upgrade.
Gurianov I would say is firmly behind Hintz for next up. They probably will be the next 2, but it would be easy to see either one in the AHL given Nill's history. Dickinson is a great example. That guy probably should have been full time NHL last year, but Dallas goes out and signs multiple forwards. Nill rarely leaves a wide open door for prospects. He does force them to push their way in, and he typically always favors patience.
Like I said on the last page, I absolutely agree both have a shot, but at least prior to any moves, it seems much more reasonable that your RW's are Nichushkin, Pitlick, Radulov, and then either a new guy via trade or free agency with Ritchie being a distant 3rd option. I will say, if they don't make any moves at RW, that would open the door for Gurianov. I don't doubt that he could beat out Ritchie. The only way he stays up though is in a Top 6 rolw with PP time. Otherwise, Nill very likely predictably says he's better suited playing top minutes and PP in the AHL.
At LW, Hanzal's availability plays a major role, but Dickinson very likely would be one of your LWs. Obviously he slides to center if and when Hanzal can't go at any point in the season ... unless he takes on a big role on say Faksa's line and the call up Hintz.