I wonder where/how Topi slots in eventually.
Short of a major shakeup on our blueline (Chychrun, etc), the progression seems to be relatively straight forward.
This season:
Rielly-Brodie
Muzzin-Holl
Sandin-Lilly
Dermott
Appears to be our preferred setup and it's really fucking good. Muzzin-Holl haven't been as good as past seasons (but still not bad overall) and Holl's spot appears to be up for audition. I know I'm a Lilly stan and while Sandin is probably the better of the two, I think Lilly is probably the best bet to win that role from Holl, whether this season or next. He's bigger, better chance-shot/Xga suppression than Sandin, and right handed. It's the size/strength and shot suppression edge that I think Keefe will gravitate towards for the shut down role with Muzz. It's kind of a natural promotion for him up the right side.
So I think we'll see this next season:
Rielly-Brodie
Muzzin-Lilly
Sandin-Holl
Rubins/whoever
I can't see us keeping an asset as useful as Dermott limited to 40-50 games again, and I imagine he'll be asking for a new situation as well entering a contract year. I don't see us bailing on Holl for as cheap as he is though and being RHD unless someone overpays pretty heavily. Sandin-Holl is a 2nd pairing calibre tandem on a lot of clubs in the league, and I like the balance this would bring with all 3 pairings having a plus puck mover, as well as a plus stay at home type but with no true plodders anywhere. So I don't think Muzz-Lilly will be called on to do as much heavy lifting as Muzz pairings have the last few seasons, there will be a bit more balance in the use of the 2nd and 3rd pairings.
Rubins is ready for #7 duty imo and he's not getting younger. Would bring a nice element of size. Niemela slots in as the #1 for the Marlies, I just don't see room for him to push his way in unless he's flat out incredible right out of the box which probably pushes Holl to #7 or traded. Unlikely though given how we usually require 30-40+ games of really good AHL play before promoting even our top prospects.
the following season is where I think we'll see Niemela get a legit crack, after Holl moves on in free agency. Another year of age in both directions will make Muzzin and Sandin a bit more interchangeable on that second pairing.