I have a hard time believing Brown will be in the lineup. Hopefully Merkulov, Lysell, Beecher or McLaughlin can push him out.

-Lysell doesn't play center so he's not going to push him out.
-Merkulov's game doesn't fit with what Boston wants out of its 4th liners.
-Beecher & McLaughlin both are waiver exempt and if we know anything about Sweeney Co is that he likes to take advantage sending guys down who don't require waivers.

I wasn't saying that Lysell or Merkulov would directly take the 4th line spot. Lysell and Merkulov would most likely take JVR or Heinens spot on this roster, then pushing Frederic or Geekie down to 4C.

I know historically Sweeney has gone with the vets but I am stupidly optimistic that he won't this year.

Even still, pushing Heinen out of spot doesn't push Brown out of the 4C role. Frederic hasn't really been great in the dot and he's sitting at 43.9% for his career in the dot. Unless he drastically improved in that area during the off-season, I don't see him as a center unless its an emergency situation.

My hope is one of Lysell and Merkulov get a real shot at making the roster at that 3rd line wing position using Frederic’s versatility to let it be whomever shows the best. I’d prefer it not just be PTO’s / minimum signings in the bottom 6.