I really think this upcoming season, we're going to see Kadri play with skill. The only reason why we don't see him paired with skill in the past was to develop his defensive game. I also think Lou did it in order to sign him to that low-cost, long-term contract.
This season pair up pair up Kadri with someone super-skilled. If JVR and Bozak are dating long-term, I'd like to see Marner and Kadri together with Komarov representing the third man. Thus something like...
Leo - Kadri - Marner
JVR - Bozak - RW
LW - Matthews - Nylander
Martin - Laich - Hyman
While I left the third linemate on the second and third line off, I sort of see Brown, Michalek and Soshnikov fighting it out. I really see Brown being our Mark Stone and playing a very important role on this team. Soshnikov, at least, deserves to be on that hight talented super line with Matthews and Nylander.
After a couple of games, I think Babcock will realize that Matthews will fully utilize his creativity and be the conductor on his own line. Likewise Kadri will continue to work with Marner, and Nylander will drive his line as well. Maybe something like...
JVR - Matthews - Soshnikov
Leo - Kadri -Marner ( would prefer Kerby - Kadri - Marner)
Bozak - Nylander - Brown ( or Willy on LW, Bozak as C)
Martin - Laich - Hyman
I'd argue that Brown has a higher upside than Soshnikov, I think his better speed would better compliment that big, speedy pair. Personally, I think we need someone speedier with skill, and if Nylander doesn't transition as a center, I'd use him. Plenty of time to select the third linemate.
Moreover, I can see Komarov being displaced by Kerby Rychel who is far more skilled. Gritty, power forward with skilled gritty guys in Kadri and Marner. Maybe this happens mid-season.
PS: I pretty much see us having two "shut down" lines. You'll have the big Matthews line eating up minutes against the top lines while Kadri's pest line does the same. You essentially create a nightmare for oppositions who now have to deal with this highly potent third line as well.