Sam Steel on the top line is not an experiment. It’s a long-range plan. He’s not there to become a top scorer. He’s there to bolster the Johnston-Rantanen pair. He’s there to become the Swiss Army knife guy…like Dadanov was for PDB, and with a seemingly equal amount of complaints from fans. He’s there to keep the top line unpredictable to opponents who have us figured out. If we get a top 6 winger at the trade deadline, the “problem” will solve itself.

I’d agree with moving Ritzy up there, but it looks like he had quick chemistry with Duchene, and if he clicks with Duchene-Benn, it’ll be smart to keep him there.