Quoting: cb4
Based on the UFA re-signs, paying Vrana more than Bert and offering years into both of their UFA term, and your line pairing makes me think you don't watch hockey beyond a fan perspective.
Yeah, the D pairs are a bit of a mess, lol, have gone back and edited.
Vrana gets paid more then Bertuzzi because he is the better player overall.
They are offered years into their UFA because I have faith that at the time of re-signing the roster will be better and a more attractive place to stay, it means that their contract renewal is after Johnson is off the books. Having Bertuzzi, Vrana and Hronek up for renewall on the same year is no issue, I would be more worried about prospects being up for renewall at that point as those will be the big money contracts.
Forward lines are trickier, but I think with the line combinations above you at least have some identity, the top line is a speed and skill group with a major scoring threat and good transition game, the 2nd line is still somewhat skilled but would would play at a bit slower of a pace so would be a bit more focussed on possession. I wouldnt live or die by the bottom 6, but I would also expect this team to finish particularly high. Ryan is a solid mentor for Ras and Veleno, who's games seem to compliment one another.
You can argue otherwise, and that's fine.