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When Everyone is Healthy, What Will the Lines Be?

January 21, 2020, 5:41 PM ET [330 Comments]
Karine Hains
Montreal Canadiens Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
I wrote yesterday that I think Kovalchuk should be traded at the deadline and that of course influences my thinking when it comes to what the lines should be. Now I know, Drouin will not be back straight after the break as was recently reported but there is still hope that he could be back during the 1st weekend of February so here's what I think should happen.

Right now, the 1st line of Tatar-Danault-Kovalchuk is really clicking and producing at a great rate. Providing that they keep going like this, I would not split them when the injured players are back. Why? Because to be able to trade Kovalchuk for a great return, you need to keep his stock high and putting him in ideal conditions will help to achieve this goal. Besides, Gallagher is a real team player and I really do not see him throwing a fit because he doesn't go straight back on the first line.

1st line: Tatar-Danault-Kovalchuk



I like seeing Nick Suzuki play at centre and while Max Domi wasn't exactly thrilled to be on the wing at first, he seems to be getting on board with the program. As for the right wing spot, this is where I would slot in Brendan Gallagher. His energy is contagious and I strongly believe that he's a good exemple to follow for Max Domi not only in the keeping your head down and doing what is asked of you department but also when it comes to avoiding stupid penalties. Gallagher had a tendency to do that as well at first but he's since learnt to be a pro and avoid doing that.

2nd line: Domi-Suzuki-Gallagher



On the third line, I would keep Kotkaniemi at centre and give him some good wingers. Drouin was on pace for his best season ever when he went down with that wrist injury and hopefully, that is the version of him we'll get back. On the right wing, I'd put Joel Armia who has emerged as quite the point producer this season. In 37 games, he's one point short of his total in 57 games last year. The Finnish line was lacking finishing in the last campaign but this is no longer an issue with Armia, he's now got a much better success rate.


3rd line: Drouin-Kotkaniemi-Armia




Finally, on the 4th line, I'd love to see Ryan Poehling at centre. I do believe he is developing well this season and while he hasn't put on great offensive numbers, I do not think that is a worry. If things pan out, Poehling will not be in the top six anyways but rather a good 3rd line centre. On his wings, I'd put the defensively responsible Lehkonen on the left and on the right, I'd keep Thompson in the line-up. He's doing great in the face-off circle and he's a great leader and influence on the team.

4th line: Lehkonen-Poehling-Thompson



So yes, that means Byron doesn't get back in the line-up right away. I do like the Roadrunner v. 2.0 but his struggles this season are well documented and with all the health issues, I do not think anyone would bite on a Byron trade. I'm also aware that leaving Cousins and Weal out of the line-up might not fly with Julien but this is the attacking lines I'd like to see. It allows three of our youngsters to play at centre in their rightful position while showcasing Kovalchuk for a trade which I feel is important. But that's just my thinking, how do you see the lines when the team is healthy?
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