My line-up
(Assuming Max plays)
Pacioretty(C)-Plekanec(A)-Gallagher(A)
Should be a no-brainer IMO. Plekanec plays well with both these guys, and they are a 200 foot line. Heavy lifting of minutes/assignments. Simple as that.
Eller-Galchenyuk-Semin
I'd hate to lose Eller to our Centre Depth, But he finally has a (seemingly) fair chance at: good minutes, presumably some PP time, and finally some solid linemates. Both Semin and Glachenyuk will organically impede Eller's tendency to carry the puck too long (which IMO, stems from lack of options. He would trust passing to one of his new linemates than some of his in the past. This line could really help us get more out of Eller.
Galchenyuk will benefit from these minutes too, of course. I can't wait to see him use some power in his game. He could take a huge step to becoming a true #1 if he can improve quickly over a season, a la Subban. Semin is healthy (correct me if I'm wrong but his wrist is now 100%), He's in the best market, he's not being brought in as a centrepiece (less pressure). The guy should do well in the Ryder/Vanek/PAP/Briere, etc spot.
Top 6 I think we finally have a full top 6 (I have confidence in Semin), or at least the closest in some time (Barring deadline deals; I mean on opening night). I like how Plekanec's line can handle the big matchups. For once it seems like we don't have to spread out our talent. Max is obviously a #1LW, Gallagher I would argue is a solid #1RW, and Plekanec is capable of very respectable production with and without good linemates. Let's hope to see Price get more puck support this year.
Weise-DD-Kassian
Weise certainly deserves first crack at offensive minutes, and he'll get to play with DD (who is familiar and will give him good opportunities) as well as Kassian (who will certainly ease the loss of size in DD; Weise won't have to go into the corners alone.)
DLR-Mitchell-DSP
De La Rose looks to be a lock due to MT's love for him. I think it might be best to keep him up. He would learn most with NHL competition, from how he looks. I like DLR a lot, and I think if he's given a challenge he'll work harder to improve. Mitchell is a solid 4C (though I'd like to MacCarron get a few games as a C) and while many hate on DSP, he's in better shape and he has unique qualities about his game.
Bottom 6Deep teams need variety, and that comes from the bottom two lines. We should see many configurations I'm sure, but the variety of styles that are available could make the difference down the stretch.
Markov(A)-Subban(A) It makes sense to start with Markov on the first pairing and not deviate from what was a great season from him. Obviously it'd be nice to see his minutes defalte a bit, but we need to have Beaulieu improve before that can happen. PK is PK, moving on.
Beaulieu-Petry Petry is a posied, minute eater that will be the incubator for Beaulieu, who I hope puts it together and starts to turn heads. He has played well so far IMO, but now's the time for him to come through with a jump in production (as we're clearly entering win-now mode).
Emelin-Pateryn If Pateryn can play steady, this could be a solid 3rd pair. I'm interested to see what sort of chemistry they have.
Extra Gilbert isn't bad but Pateryn is in need of minutes to develop, and he is close to equaling Gilbert if he hasn't already.
Defence We have size, speed, youth, and skill. let's see what clicks.