Edited Sep. 13, 2022 at 9:21 a.m.
After thinking about this signing more today; here is what I predict will happen:
#1 Landeskog-MacKinnon-Rantanen - the power trio and one of the best lines in hockey dominates. Not much more needs to be said about this line.
#2 Lehkonen-Compher-Nichushkin - the new second line will be a traditional "shut down" type of line with something like ~55% deployment in the defensive zone. Compher can still put up ~50 points with these linemates and increased TOI. Chemistry-wise I see Lehky as the puck-retriever, Compher as the facilitator and Noooch as the finisher. Defensively this line could be brutal to play against. JTC can win draws, Lehky and Val are both puck possession perfectionists.
#3 Meyers-Newhook-Rodrigues - the new third line will be used ~55% deployment in the OFFENSIVE zone; basically the yin to the #2 lines yang. Newhook needs to learn to play center in the NHL in advance of his christening as the "#2 Center" of the future (probably 2023-24) for the Avs. Rodrigues brings a two-way veteran presence and offensive acumen to this line of youngsters and a right shot element that can help with crucial face-offs. Meyers is a bit if an X-factor but he should be expected to be a defensively solid member of this line that can help contribute offensively as well; he is a better left handed face-off guy than Newhook when needed. Rodrigues will "play-up" on the #1 Power Play most likely in the bumper role where Bednar prefers a RH shot (they tried JTC there but it didn't stick); so I think he picks up some good stats overall.
#4 Cogliano-Helm-O'Connor - the "glue" grinder line that showed up in the playoffs will be back together; mixed in with some rotational play from the press-box boys: Maltsev, Sedlak, Kaut, Bowers, Ranta.
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