Nylander was barely a ppg player in the AHL and had 3 years and 3 attempts in the NHL with a whooping 19 games and 5 points. Hate to break it to you, that's not a 1st line player in the NHL.

Perlini?

Buffalo fan here. I dont see nylander being NHL ready to start the season, especially not line 1 ready.

He doesn't have to be. My point here is that if he makes the opening night roster, that would probably be the spot for him. He'd need to play in the top 6, otherwise he'll be in the AHL. Also, I don't see him on a line with DeBrincat and Strome, so the only other logical choice is with Toews and Saad who can generate chances and have puck possession. Again, this is all hypothetical meant for fun, not something set in stone. With Zack Smith now on the team instead of a draft pick for Anisimov, the chances Nylander makes the team are much smaller. Dach has a better chance of making it and then being sent back to juniors after 9 games. Perlini....should likely be signed now, but at the time it was still up in the air.