How training camp starts comes from idea and paper theory, where training camp ends depends on performance and how willing the coaching staff is to shake things up if they aren't gelling at this level. I can't see any real solid idea of October 2nd lines because this is the most unpredictable line-up I've seen. Too many players who play multiple positions and too many battles for positioning.
If I had to make an educated guess based on where they start off and how I think camp performances could go, it would be something like this:
Draisaitl - McDavid - Kassian
(we pretty much know this trio will get an opportunity to continue).
Neal - RNH - Chiasson
(Think the Oilers may do something before Oct.2 that shakes this up but it's the most sensible combination today).
Granlund - Sheahan - Archibald
(I like this trio as being capable of 30 combined goals, some grit and net presence and to PK).
Khaira - Haas - Gagner
(Samwise in his CBJ role: 4th line ES, PP specialist. Haas is competing with Colby Cave for this spot but has wheels and shoots right, so I give him the edge on paper. Khaira will score more than his 3 last year, even from the 4th line).
Cave, Jurco
Cave did everything that was asked but doesn't score. Him and Haas is the most open battle I see in camp. With Brodziak down, this is a two horse race IMO. Jurco is an interesting figure. Nygard can go down without waivers, so I have Jurco here, but I won't be surprised to see either/one of these in the Ty Rattie spot on the top-line at some point. Until then 4th line spot ins after bad Gagner/Khaira games might be the early spot.
Nurse-Larsson
(expect 21-22 minutes a night. Hard match-ups and PK. Probably some PP for Nurse. Don't think the first pair/second pair/third pair thing will be as important this year while this group is healthy. Think 4 of the 6 will be within the 20-22 minute range from all three pairing and it's just about how they're being used).
Klefbom-Bouchard
(I give Bouchard the edge here simply because I think he can outplay and outproduce others in preseason and if he does, he is what is needed. I expect 22 minutes for Klefbom, 19.5 or so for Bouchard with cherry linemates and zone starts).
Russell-Benning
(20 minutes for Russell, 17 or so for Benning based on PK usage and whatforth. Probably matched up where possible against third or fourth lines. Little to no time with 97 or 93 where possible).
Persson
Wild card. Stauffer hinting that Benning may be in the pressbox is interesting. Persson is more of a style fit than Benning for this group. Will be one to watch in camp
Obviously this gets thrown around for lots of reasons. Injuries? Strong camps from someone on the outside or weak camps from someone in the inside? This line-up is so weird you could put half of the players into different positions.
