
The Money LIne
Filip Forsberg – Ryan Johansen – Matt Duchene
There are two reasons why this line should be called the “Money Line.” The first being that these three players will eat up $24M of precious cap space next season. Secondly, if Filip Forsberg, Ryan Johansen, and Matt Duchene can get firing on all cylinders, other teams better take notice.
Many armchair GMs are now reading this and questioning my sanity. Most feel that Tolvanen would be the logical choice for this line, moving Duchene to center the 2nd line.
However, I liked what I saw from this trio during the playoffs. They showed flashes of exactly what they are capable of doing on the ice together.
Johansen’s and Duchene’s detractors are numerous, and they don’t ever expect much from the pair. However, with the team going through a mini rebuild, the time is now for these two players to finally live up to expectations. They will need to take the reins and show fans everywhere that they can recapture their past glories.
And what can you say about Forsberg? He is right on the cusp of being an elite forward in the NHL. Next season will be his time to shine, even more so now that the team will need more scoring from wherever they can get it. Forsberg is more than capable of stepping up to that challenge.