Next season's offensive line-up is the most difficult to predict. Mike Hoffman, Mathieu Perreault, and Cedric Paquette have all signed, and Jonathan Drouin is expected to return.
The playoff combo of youthful Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki is a given, but a smart passer and a player with vision are required to complete the three. For various reasons, Sportsnet's Eric Engels thinks Drouin and the two kids are a wonderful mix.
But it would be interesting to watch Drouin on this trio because it would allow him to re-energize with two young prospects. A gifted playmaker, he could flawlessly feed his two colleagues.
Indeed, if this trio gels, they might rapidly become the Habs' top line, with the offensive depth allowing for alternative combinations. For a high-scoring second line, Engels believes Toffoli may be placed with Jesperi Kotkaniemi and Mike Hoffman.
In addition to Artturi Lehkonen, Mathieu Perreault, and Joel Armia, Gallagher and Josh Anderson would complete a versatile offensive line. Not to mention the extras like Ryan Poehling, Cedric Paquette, and Paul Byron upon his return.
Drouin - Suzuki - Caufield
Hoffman - Kotkaniemi - Toffoli
Anderson - Evans - Gallagher
Lehkonen - Perreault - Armia
In short, we can't wait to know the coaches' decision, but the offense will probably be different from Engels' choices with all the possible options
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Credit: SportsAddik
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