If fans are looking for a replacement for Kessel, they’re not going to find one on this roster. James van Riemsdyk is by far the best winger, and he’€™s a lock to play on the left side. The right-wingers on the roster are a mixture of capable veterans (Brad Boyes, Michael Grabner, P.A. Parenteau, Mark Arcobello) and an unproven youngster (Richard Panik), and any number of them could see time on the top line.
To make the issue even more confusing, some or all of Shawn Matthias, Daniel Winnik and Nick Spaling could see time on the wing, thanks to the glut of forwards on the roster.