Would be nice to pickup Heinen and Sutter for the bottom 6 but I think most of us are hoping for 1 signing to improve the top 6 (ie. Kane or equivalent) instead.

I’m fine with the bottom 6 remaining at:
Wood-Colton-LOC
Cogliano-Meyer- Olofsson (or AHL promotion).

Can’t count on Kovalenko this coming season, he’s already signed in the KHL and a buyout is unlikely

Kovalenko is probably one more year away, but they are definitely keeping one of the top 6 spots warm for him after this year. Whoever we sign for the last forward spot needs to be someone we can slot into the top 6 in a pinch if Drouin just doesn't have it this year. That being said, I think Pius Suter fits that mold to a degree. Wouldn't mind seeing him on our team.

What’s the top 6 though? I wouldn’t be willing to pay any body over 3-4 when this team needs depth. Gurianov is on that radar I would put with Johansson cause it’s too much shoot not enough pass if he was put on that third line with Colton and wood. I thought it was possible for kovalenko to come over late this season when KHL season is over?

I guess Kovalenko could join once the KHL season is over but it’s a lot to ask for a player who doesn’t have any AHL/NHL experience to step right in before a playoff run.

As for the rest of the lineup, I’ve been sold on the following idea:

Lehkonen-MacKinnon-Rantanen
Nichushkin-RyJo-Kane
Wood-Colton-Drouin
Cogliano-Meyer-LOC

Kane would ideally take a 1yr x 2.5mil deal. If Drouin is playing well but not meshing on the 3rd line, perhaps you can mix him up with Nichushkin or Lehkonen here and there.

Realistically, I don’t see Drouin sorting things out in COL, could very well flop and end up in the bottom 6:
Wood-Colton-LOC
Cogliano-Meyer-Drouin