I really like what another poster pointed out about the Veleno-Mercer connection that was so dynamic last year, when Mercer was an entire year of rapid development behind where he is now. We don’t have to put our best players with Lafreniere - he’s incredible, he will produce with whoever. Getting chemistry is more important. I’d like to try:
Lafreniere-Veleno-Mercer
> intelligence, skill, and relentless forecheck + predetermined chemistry
Foote-Hayton-Lavoie
> let Hayton simplify his game by designating him as the distributor to two dedicated shooters
McMichael-Byfield-Cozens
> speed and skill all day, I want Byfield at C
Foudy-Dellandrea-Dudas
> matchup and possession line
Groulx
> replace Lavoie on defensive zone starts, also anchor first PK unit
McIsaac-Smith
> looked way better than I expected
Bahl-JBD
> not worried in the slightest, they can move the puck and opponents simply do not have a good time against them
Byram-Addison
> I will happily eat crow if Addison keeps this up
Drysdale
> as others have mentioned, will probably claim more time as the tournament goes on, looked good with everyone yesterday
Goalies...what can you say at this point. Just don’t start Rodrigue when both Hofer and Daws look so capable.