The thing is the 13th forward is likely playing 50-70 games. And the 14th likely 30-50. That's not "watching from the press box". Lots of regulars will play less just due to injuries and coaches decisions. This is a false narrative.
There's nothing at all wrong with this lineup
Ehlers - Scheifele - Wheeler
Connor - Little - Laine
Matthias - Perreault - Dano
Lowry - Burmistrov - Stafford
Copp - Armia
Copp and Armia would play at least 50 games probably more, IMO, from injuries and can rotate in and out with Matthias, Dano, Lowry, Burmistrov.
it's pretty obvious that Thorburn will be getting pressbox time. honestly, it would blow my mind to see otherwise. in the past 2 seasons, i can argue that he deserved to play the role he played (minus him being ehlers' linemate). but our depth is insane now. so pressbox.
also, flip little and perreault as centres for those lines and i'm down. little doesn't have the speed for the rookies.