Switch Kotkaniemi and Danault and we have a team. His development will be top 6 sheltered scorer like Barkov until he proves him self to play 22+ minutes a night

Second line has been playing 1st line minutes all preseason. Don’t know why everyone thinks otherwise.

Yep .those 3 are more nhlers proof . Danault is the more effective center of the team . Gallagher the best scorer and tatar a 20 goals scorer . This line is by far the one that can play against top line opponent .

Given that the AHL is an option for Kotkaniemi, why not give him 25-40 games there to round out his game and learn to dominate at that level? When he's ready, Habs could make room for him by moving Pleks in advance of the deadline for a reasonable pick. Presumably, as the season evolves, the Habs will add Poehling in March, giving him the last 10 games and playoffs in the AHL. If the Habs don't make the playoffs, Kotkaniemi could go back down to the AHL and play with Poehling (and Suzuki by then?), setting the table for a really interesting 2019-20 season.

I dont think it's a given, Kotkaniemi has the option to return to the Liiga. Hes shown he is NHL ready so far I dont see the difference between playing him in the AHL vs NHL. Hes either ready or he isnt.

Kotkaniemi has still only played about 10 games on North American ice, so a month or two playing regular minutes in the AHL would be prudent and help boost his confidence. Going back to Finland now would lock him up for a year and not necessarily improve his development.

So likely the Kadri line will go against the Domi line, and then you have Danault and Kotkaniemi going against the Tavares or Matthews lines. That's going to be one hell of a first game for Kotkaniemi.

tell that to Mkko and Saku Koivu

Are they jumping in to help?

no , i was responding to Flynn but somehow ended up quoting you
i think my page lagged as i was scrolling down

i agree with Reilly being in top four, he has played very well. I also agree with Mete and Juulsen playing together, I think they can handle it. I would love to see Alzner gone. I would even eat some of his contract. I would move Been as well. I think Ouellet and Despres can be the 6,7 or 8 d-man and we will be okay.

Up front I agree with your line but I do not think Kotkaniemi, as well as e has played is ready for a full 82 game schedule against established NHL players. One more year playing C, for his dad will not hurt him long term. He played LW last season, so a full season at C, will be good. The future looks good. In a few short years Kotkaniemi, Poehling, Suzuki bode well down the middle.

Wanna fill me in? I dont get it. Saku never played AHL in his career, Mikko played 1 year of AHL after playing 3 years in the Liiga.