That D corps would guarantee us a top 10 pick next year and I'm not sure that's what management is wanting. With respect to Guhle, it would be disappointing if they don't move him back to LD.
I'd like to see Hutson, Reinbacher and Mailloux start in Laval next season and then bring them up accordingly. Things could change if we make some additional moves this summer to free up some space on our backend as we're crowded at the moment. Then throw in the additional development/advancement these young guys could make over the course of the summer and in camp. Just about too many options but that a good problem to have.
Matheson-Guhle
Hutson-Reinbacher
Xhekaj-Mailloux
would more than likely not be the starting D-Corps in Montreal next season -- And that's not what I am advocating, for the benefit of properly developing the youngsters on our backend.
It has been suggested that Montreal will not trade Savard this offseason in order to play the veteran RHD with Hutson next season, at least until the trade deadline.
Reinbacher will also likely start next season in Laval, barring a spectacular training camp in Montreal, but, since Reinbacher is not a particularly spectacular kind of D, that likely won't come to pass.
As with Slafkovsky, Montreal likely has high aspirations for Hutson and they might decide to play him immediately in Montreal to have a stronger role in his development.
If Xhekaj has healed properly, I wouldn't be surprised to see him paired with Mailloux if the latter has a strong training camp.Otherwise, Mailloux will start the season in Laval again.
This would mean seeing Guhle play on the right side with Matheson again and Savard play in a 2nd pairing role again.
Not ideal, in both cases, but, with development as the priority, perhaps an acceptable happenstance.
Matheson - Guhle
Hutson- Savard
Xhekaj -Mailloux/Barron
The D-Corps I suggested:
Matheson-Guhle
Hutson-Reinbacher
Xhekaj-Mailloux
Once the younger Ds have more experience, would then be far from a D-Corps that guarantees a top -10 pick, as you initially suggested.
What would support a higher finishing couple of years, might look more like:
Guhle - Reinbacher (not flashy but highly effective as a shutdown pair with offensive upside)
Hutson - Engstrom (Mobile, offensive pairing with Engstrom as a defensive safety net)
Xhekaj - Mailloux (Physically imposing, but also a puck-moving pairing)
Outside of Hutson, no D would be under 6'2" and all the larger Ds could play physical style, on top of playing a strong transition game.