Edited Jul. 27, 2018 at 11:36 a.m.
Nice work, because it takes time to think the whole picture through. I posted something similar last week.
i am in complete agreement that Chytil and Andersson need to be brought along at the correct pace, without too much pressure being placed on them. It's going to be a delicate balance between minutes and match ups. That being said, they absolutely have to be with the big club this year, they have nothing to prove or gain from the AHL (especially Chytil, he was fairly dominant as an 18 year old!).
For me, Mika and Hayes are the obvious 1 and 2c's, and the KZB line gets first billing.
Start the season with Chytil on Hayes' wing, with Zucc on the other. Not playing C removes a lot of the burden/thinking process, and playing with Hayes and Zucc should give this kid two great play-makers and examples to follow. In my opinion of the two, Chytil has the more high end offensive skills, and "high end" is exactly what the Rangers have been missing! Hayes and Zucc are agonizingly pass first, so let Chytil shoot!
With 1 and 2c squared away, Andersson should be given his shot at 3C. Of the two, I feel Andersson has the better two way game, and the larger frame for the rough stuff behind the goal line and in front of the net. You give him Names on the left (defensively responsible with experience at C to take faceoffs) and Ville Meskanen (who was also scouted as having a well rounded two way game with scoring touch). You can deploy this line in protected, mismatch situations early...and increase their minutes/trust as they earn it and the season moves along.
Spooner gets the 4C with Vesey and Fast. This should be a real mismatch 4th line, and should be able to earn their fair share of playing time by beating up other teams 4th lines. They can again also serve as protection for Andersson's line until they are able to fly on their own. Spooner gets added incentive by the coaches giving him some extra time on the PP or PK.
As things progress, if you like what Andersson is doing, he gets more playing time and is hot on Hayes' heels. If you like what Chytil is doing, you can start giving him looks at C in certain situations. If it continues to go well, Hayes becomes a real nice trade chip at the deadline. Andersson becomes the 2C and Chytil gets his crack at 3C....or Chytil moves to 2C and Spooner or Names move into his wing spot. With the roster spot, Howden gets the much anticipated call up to replace Hayes.
On the back end, i absolutely agree that Smith needs to move back to his natural side, giving him the best chance to bounce back.
I do however think he and Pionk should be beating out Staal and DeAngelo all day! Otherwise, the pairings look on point.
Hank and Georgie until Igor comes over next year...LGR!