It's obvious that all the talk about Read and Umberger being injured last year was true, Read looks like his old self and Umberger like the guy who used to play for the flyers, now the Umberger/Hartnell trade looks a lot more even, they got the better scorer, we got the better defender, dumped two years of salary and picked up a 4th rd pick.
That third line looks worlds better than anything we threw out there last season, and the second line has potential as a physical group that can put the puck in the net.
The fourth line has picked it up where they left off last season, don't overestimate PEB, he's similar to Talbot, he may score a few goals but if you start valuing him as a top 9 wing you're off the mark, his value is as a checker and top PK guy who can give you a few goals, same with his linemates - and that's just fine, given their salaries (and I think Leier will eventually fit on this line).
Manning and MDZ are a dumb pairing, and I expect Hakstol to change that shortly - MDZ is what he is, a very talented player who was dropped on his head as a child and never recovered, he needs a veteran linemate who can cover for him. Manning needs a linemate who can balance his limitations, he's 3rd pair caliber, but he's not the guy you want with MDZ.
Not worried about Medvedev, first real game on NHL ice, give him a few weeks to get comfortable with the NHL game and it will be obvious that he's our most talented defenseman, look for an extension at some point and for him to be paired with Provorov next year.
I see Streit traded and Ghost up by January, paired with Schultz.
L Schenn had his fire light and he looked far better than last year, I could see him as the stay at home guy for MDZ (cleaning up the garbage).
Schultz - Streit (Ghost)
L Schenn - MDZ
Manning (Morin) - Medvedev
Gudas
