Good post.
However I feel pretty sure Backes will be on the roster opening night. I guess they will only keep one extra forward and one extra defenseman. The Bruins may also go easy on some of key veterans (Bergeron, Krejci, Chara etc). Even though it's early my guess is they will send Bjork down at least and maybe Kuhlman too. Not because the other's (Backes, Ritchie, Lindholm, Nordström, Wagner) are better but just because they don't have too clear waivers. Also want to see more of the new UFA signings I think.
On the other hand who would get claimed if left to clear waivers? No one I think. Agree on Lindholm, he should be better than last year.
That of course leaves the second right wing spot open once again. I think it's between a rejuvenated (?) Backes and Kuhlman. Outside of Bjork noone really has the talent and skill to play on the second line unless you move Heinen up or put Coyle with Krejci and DeBrusk.
If the Bruins somehow could find a good third line center (Frederic, Studnicka but it seems too early or via trade, waivers) I would love Coyle on the second line. But for now I think Backes will get first crack at 2nd right wing.
This leaves:
Marchand-Bergeron-Pastrnak, DeBrusk-Krejci-Backes, Heinen-Coyle-Lindholm, Nordström-Kuraly-Wagner. Ritchie as 13th forward
The reviews on Lauzon, Vaaakanainen, Clifton so far have been nice to read. Clifton, of course, is the favorite for the 6th defense (good playoff and he's a right shooting d). But I wonder how close it really will be on opening night with Lauzon and Vaakanainen. Closer than you think perhaps.
On defense:
Chara-McAvoy, Krug-Carlo, Grzelzyk-Clifton. Kampfer 7th D.
In goal:
Rask-Halak