Lines with Robertson

Vesey's expected to play with Kerfoot.

SImmonds in the top 6 would worry me a bit. Move Robertson up and Simmonds down to give the kid a real shot at succeeding.

I have a feeling the taxi squad is going to help his chances. Could see him play 1/2 or 2/3 of the games this season, bouncing back & forth between roster and taxi squad.

I have feeling that this can be true for several players at the bottom of the line-up.

I think they'll staple Robertson to Thornton so whatever line Thornton is on is where Robertson will be (assuming he's in the lineup).

Something about putting an elite passer (Thornton) with the prospect who's known for a great shot (Robertson) seems like a winning combination. Thornton also has that veteran NHL respect thing going on so I doubt opposing players will take liberties with Robertson if they're on the same line.

I think you're spot on with this, and I think maybe an ulterior motive for this is that it would probably be slightly beneficial cap-wise, in the short term but beyond just this year, helping navigate the flat cap.

i.e with Dermott and Sandin filtering in and out, I think that helps bring down the potential costs of their next deals with Dermott expiring after this season and Sandin only one year after.