The more I think about it, the more I like this setup for our 2021/22 forward lines if Toews returns:
Kurashev/Suter-Toews-Kubalik
DeBrincat-Suter/Kurashev-Kane
XXX-Dach-Hagel
XXX-Kampf-XXX
3rd line LW options will be endless: Janmark(if re-signed), Shaw(if he doesn’t retire), Strome, Nylander, etc.
There should also be plenty of options for 4th line wingers. Maybe we just keep Highmore and Carpenter there. Maybe we bring back Soderberg who’s been very solid and bump him down to the 4th line. Or try out some more new faces/rookies.
I like it too. I get the desire to have Dach with elite talent, but if Dach can carry his own line with speedy try-hard guys, that’s so valuable to this team.
Seeing how Cat-Suter/Kurashev-Kane can thrive together is one of the biggest gifts of this f***ed up season. Them being able to do that and carry the majority of the offensive load (doing it now even against top competition) means this franchise has a real chance to run a three effective scoring lines when healthy.
Being able to have Cat and Kane thrive without either of your top two centers with them can be the difference between having a good and great forward group.
Then you look at Kampf, who has basically been dominant no matter his linemates, and you also have a fourth line that you feel good matching up on opposing top-six lines.
This may be a bit of a hot take, but I think the forward group looks strong next season even if Toews can’t return. If he does return, then this may be nearing a contender level forward group (assuming the Cat and Kane we’re seeing doesn’t disappear, of course.)