We'll have to wait for training camp to confirm line combinations, and even that can change frequently during the season, but we have an idea of what Rob Blake and the Los Angeles Kings expect their top nine to look like come day one of training camp.
In an article for LAKingsInsider, Blake outlined the expected top nine and after looking at the first line a few days ago, we'll move on to the second line.
This is where we get into the semantics of who is really the second line versus the third line and how quickly that can change, even on a game-to-game basis.
But, using numbers is easier to label lines, so for now we'll assume the Phil Danault-Trevor Moore combo will continue to anchor the Kings' second line until proven otherwise.
The Line: Trevor Moore-Phil Danualt-Tanner Jeannot:
Reasons For Optimism:
That combo above of Moore and Danault is the biggest reason for optimism with this line.
Since being put on a line together in the 2021-22 season, they have been a dominant force, regardless of who that third wheel is.
In just over 2,000 minutes together over the last three seasons, they've heavily outshot, out-chanced and out-scored their opponents, while almost evenly splitting offensive and defensive zone faceoff duties.
The word 'predictable' is often used to describe those two, and it's a great description. Regardless of who is on the other wing, they give you the same game every night.
It's hard-working, defensively responsible hockey 24/7 from those two with more than enough offense to hurt teams.
The addition of Jeannot is an interesting one. He's been more of a bottom-six grinder in his career but does have a 24-goal season under his belt in Nashville.
It's unlikely he shoots at 19% again and hit that number again, but he can break back into the double digits with Moore and Danault.
He's also a good fit for this line's predictability, you'll get the same game with Jeannot every night. He's going to be aggressive on the forecheck, hit everything that moves and be constantly engaged physically.
Jeannot also showed he can be a responsible defensive player last season in Tampa Bay.
His ability to always be engaged in the play and be in the thick of things will play off Danault and Moore well and should give those two a little extra room to operate.
Reasons For Pessimism:
There are two big concerns with this line.
First, is a potential regression for Moore. His 31 goals and 57 points last season shattered his previous career highs and came off the back of an incredibly hot first half.
Twenty of Moore's 31 goals came in the first 41 games as did 31 of his 57 points.
Over 60% of his goals and more than 50% of his points came in the first half. He was a 40-goal, 62-point player in that first half and a 20-goal, 52-point player in the second half.
That second half was still good, if he's a 20-goal, 50-point player next season that's still a solid season, but it's a big drop-off from who he was in the first half.
Moore's career 82-game average is just 17 goals and 39 points. If he regresses more towards his mean and is that player, this line takes a big hit. Again, they're still good but don't have anywhere near the offensive thrust.
The second potential issue is Jeannot. He's a good player and one of the best at his role, but asking him to be a potential top-six forward and play with two high-pace players like Danautl and Moore might be asking too much.
Everyone who plays with Danault and Moore has success, those two drag players into the game with them, but there might be a limited ceiling with Jeannot.
He'll give Jim Hiller an honest, physical game every night, but that might not be enough to win matchups for this line, especially if it's coupled with a Moore regression.
If this line is used more as a defensive one, matching up against the opposition's top line to free up Anze Kopitar and Quinton Byfield to feast offensively, that changes the equation here, but we don't know if that's the case.
Jeannot's spot should be up for grabs in training camp, and very well might be, but for now, we have to assume it's his spot to lose.
He could be a perfect fit there and re-discover that 20-goal potential, but that feels unlikely.