Cool so a couple notes here: Kovalenko will not be coming over until April and he will likely get a spot on the 3rd line. Drouin was signed specifically to play MacKinnon's wing and if he can't thrive there he's probably cut. Cogliano will definitely get the 4th like LW spot. Our D pairings are more fluid than my bathroom trips after eating taco bell, but under no circumstances will JJ and Manson be on the ice together.

What he said.
Think we will see Malinski get a chance in 3rd pair if we do not trade for Timmins. JJ scratch if Manson is healthy.

Highly doubt Malinski gets a chance until there are injuries and they probably won't be trading for Timmins. Like it or not, JJ is going to be 6D.

Which, in this system means playing 5-6 minutes a night. So not the worst thing in the world lol.

Drouin isn’t a center no matter what his listed positions are, Ross was SPECIFICALLY signed to play center and playing Nichushkin on the 3rd line is just not smart or prudent. Cogliano was signed to be a mainstay on the 4th line not signed to just place in the LTIR with an imaginary injury.

I bet he'll get 10-12 minutes most nights during the regular season which is okay. They'll try to get him favorable matchups to spell the other guys but they definitely do not want him out there against top-six players, LOL.

Honestly, this season defensively hinges on Manson getting somewhat back to form. If he can stop being a liability and be trusted against the top guys it will make everyone's job A LOT easier.

When Manson inevitably goes down, we should get to see what Malinski can do. Hopefully he'll prove he can be an effective option at third pair and provide even further reason to trade Manson after this season.