I'll give my opinion on Laine. To me the key is to start moving your feet in every game, using your body and hands to hold the puck, picking fights at the boards. He has shown more than once that he can do that. He just needs to do it on a regular basis. One also needs to shoot the puck more. That's why, in my opinion, he needs not Gaudreau or another playmaker, but players like Jenner and Nyquist. In this case, Voronkov. Dima has good movement, great play without the puck, is a tough player who will play hard all game, win battles, whether around the boards or in front of the net. Other than that, I would move him to center. He has a great shot, which he can use right at center, where he won't be tied down by one side. I would put either Chinakhov or Marchenko as the other winger. Probably more likely Marchenko and a sniper Yegor to Gaudreau.
One more important thing. All it takes is a change of coach and the team can change completely. I think Babcock can use the talent of the players, teach them new things. Datsyuk directly admitted that it was Babs who cardinally improved his defense, Morgan Reilly was one of the guys who is credited for the progress in the game.
Voronkov (23) -- Laine (25) -- Marchenko (23)
Gaudreau (30) -- Johnson (21) -- Chinakhov (22)
Jenner (30) -- Fantilli (19) -- Texier (24)
Robinson (28) -- Kuraly (30) -- Olivier (26)
Werenski (26), Severson (29)
Provorov (26), Gudbranson (31)
Bean (25), Boqvist (23)
Tarasov (24)
I know, it's an extremely young team. But we have quality veterans. Besides, the team, the core of the team is being built. Also, let's not forget that Voronkov played in the SC finals, where he was an important player, he played on the PK and PP. His coach was Zinetulya Bilyaledtinov, who is one of the best coaches in Russia known for having a sophisticated defense, he can explain his system to the players, also make them better. Chinakhov played under Bob Hartley, which is a similar coach. He is a Gagarin Cup winner. The problem of his pr en season was lack of strength, which changed in the second.
If Johnson gets stronger, Gaudreau could be the center as well. He reads the game well, uses the stick well when defending, playing around the boards.
Texier can be a similar player for Fantilli like Brindley. To them experienced Jenner.
I wouldn't call either of these offenses a classic first/second/third. In my opinion, they should play a similar number of minutes to keep the team playing at a high pace.
That's such "a sofa expert" view, those who know more about hockey are sure to correct me.
EDIT: I don't count Roslovic because he will probably be traded although now I hope that not.
One more important thing. All it takes is a change of coach and the team can change completely. I think Babcock can use the talent of the players, teach them new things. Datsyuk directly admitted that it was Babs who cardinally improved his defense, Morgan Reilly was one of the guys who is credited for the progress in the game.
Voronkov (23) -- Laine (25) -- Marchenko (23)
Gaudreau (30) -- Johnson (21) -- Chinakhov (22)
Jenner (30) -- Fantilli (19) -- Texier (24)
Robinson (28) -- Kuraly (30) -- Olivier (26)
Werenski (26), Severson (29)
Provorov (26), Gudbranson (31)
Bean (25), Boqvist (23)
Tarasov (24)
I know, it's an extremely young team. But we have quality veterans. Besides, the team, the core of the team is being built. Also, let's not forget that Voronkov played in the SC finals, where he was an important player, he played on the PK and PP. His coach was Zinetulya Bilyaledtinov, who is one of the best coaches in Russia known for having a sophisticated defense, he can explain his system to the players, also make them better. Chinakhov played under Bob Hartley, which is a similar coach. He is a Gagarin Cup winner. The problem of his pr en season was lack of strength, which changed in the second.
If Johnson gets stronger, Gaudreau could be the center as well. He reads the game well, uses the stick well when defending, playing around the boards.
Texier can be a similar player for Fantilli like Brindley. To them experienced Jenner.
I wouldn't call either of these offenses a classic first/second/third. In my opinion, they should play a similar number of minutes to keep the team playing at a high pace.
That's such "a sofa expert" view, those who know more about hockey are sure to correct me.
EDIT: I don't count Roslovic because he will probably be traded although now I hope that not.
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