1. Buchnevich is already slotted as the 1st line RW.
1a. this means Kakko will be on 2nd line with Chytil/Kreider
2. Chytil will be the 2C to start the year. If it goes south in a hurry would likely get moved down or to wing.
3. Lias, in my eyes, will be the 3C to start. Played well in 1st preseason game and the team needs to see if he can handle the NHL. He will be counted on for defensive assignments along with PK.
3a. Lias probably paired with Namestnikov & Strome.
4. Howden 4C w/ Lemieux and Jesper on his wings. Lemieux has a chance to potentially grab a 3rd line role but im assuming he is glued to the 4th line.
5. Kravtsov....this is most interesting battle on the team. I believe he should be paired with Lias on the 3rd line with a guy like Namestnikov or Strome on the other side. But i think he will start in Hartford and will be the first call up w/ an injury or a Strome/Namestnikov trade. Will log top minutes on 1st line and power play
6. Smith & Nieves will be the extra skaters w/ McKegg & di Giuseppe in Hartford. McKegg will be a fan favorite so i could see him cracking lineup occasionally.
My forward lines:
Panarin-Zibanejad-Buchnevich
Kreider-Chytil-Kakko
Namestnikov-Andersson-Strome
Lemieux-Howden-Fast

Defense...i have no argument with your lines, maybe Staal w/ Deangelo but all good from my view

Thank you for an in-depth view!

At a quick glance, I haven't seen stats that would put Lias in the NHL, but it may also be my mind telling me not to give too much bias to my fellow countrymen.

Howden outplayed Andersson last season and honestly is just an overall better player. Howden's style of play is loved by quinn and the couching staff. i can't see how Andersson leaps over him in the depth charts. Howden has also been better then Andersson in the preseason so far.

having strome and names on the team still hurts andersson's chances to me. i wouldn't be shocked if andersson doesn't make the team.