The NHL’s New Line Combinations: A Look at Early Season Experiments
As the 2024-25 NHL season unfolds, fans are treated to a fresh wave of line combinations and player roles that spark curiosity and intrigue. Whether flipping through channels or scrolling online, you might find yourself asking, "Why is that player in such a prominent position?" or "What’s behind this positional shift?" These questions are common as teams experiment with their rosters, seeking the best fit for their strategies and personnel.
Just over a week into the season, we’re witnessing numerous players stepping into roles that are either elevated, different, or entirely unexpected. These changes are not merely whimsical; they are strategic experiments that teams are closely monitoring to gauge player adaptability and performance. Here, we’ll explore five notable players who have found themselves in new roles this season, providing insights into their early performances and the implications for their teams.
Troy Stecher: A Stopgap in Edmonton’s Top-Four Defense
The Experiment: Top-four role
The Stats: 4 GP, 0G-0A-0P, 16:25 ATOI
Troy Stecher has been thrust into a second-pair role for the Edmonton Oilers, stepping in after the struggles of Ty Emberson and Travis Dermott alongside Darnell Nurse. Having covered Stecher during his time in Vancouver, I’ve always viewed him as an underrated defenseman. The question remains: can he serve as a reliable stopgap until the Oilers secure a more established top-four blueliner?
At 5-foot-10, Stecher may not fit the traditional mold of a top defenseman, but he compensates with quick skating, solid puck-moving abilities, and a fierce competitive spirit. While he has not been a perfect solution, his competent play has kept Edmonton afloat. His ability to make quick plays on breakouts and maintain offensive zone pressure through smart pinches has been noteworthy.
However, Stecher’s limitations become apparent when faced with tougher matchups against elite forwards. His occasional mistakes, such as a bad tripping penalty against Jason Robertson, highlight the challenges he faces in a top-four role. Despite these hiccups, he remains a net positive for the Oilers, at least until they can make a more significant acquisition.
Philip Broberg: A Rising Star in St. Louis
The Experiment: Top-four role
The Stats: 6 GP, 1G-5A-6P, 19:42 ATOI
Philip Broberg has quickly established himself as a key player for the St. Louis Blues after a limited stint with the Edmonton Oilers last season. This opportunity is crucial for the 23-year-old, who is under pressure to deliver after being poached via an offer sheet.
Broberg has made an immediate impact, contributing points in every game and not being on the ice for a single five-on-five goal against. His smooth skating and confident puck-carrying have allowed him to escape forechecking pressure and join offensive rushes effectively. His ability to activate offensively has been a game-changer for the Blues, as evidenced by his impressive plays leading to goals.
While Broberg’s start has been stellar, he is not without flaws. His current PDO suggests he’s benefiting from favorable bounces, and there will undoubtedly be learning moments as the season progresses. Nevertheless, his early performance indicates he could be a cornerstone of the Blues’ defense moving forward.
Kirby Dach: The Quest for a Second-Line Center
The Experiment: Second-line center
The Stats: 6 GP, 0G-1A-1P, 15:49 ATOI
The Montreal Canadiens are exploring whether Kirby Dach can emerge as their long-term second-line center. After a successful stint on the wing, Dach has returned to his natural position, but the transition has been rocky.
Dach’s early-season performance has been disappointing, with his line struggling to generate offense and being outscored significantly. His decision-making and speed have been underwhelming, leading to turnovers and missed opportunities. While he deserves some leeway as he shakes off the rust from a significant injury layoff, the Canadiens may need to reconsider his role if these issues persist.
Pavel Buchnevich: A Dual Role Experiment
The Experiment: Shifting from wing to second-line center
The Stats: 6 GP, 3G-1A-4P
Pavel Buchnevich’s transition from wing to center has been a work in progress for the St. Louis Blues. While he has shown flashes of brilliance, his effectiveness at center has been inconsistent.
Buchnevich has struggled in the faceoff circle and has not been as impactful as he is on the wing, where he can utilize his offensive skills more effectively. Despite some positive moments, such as generating dangerous rush chances, his defensive responsibilities have posed challenges. The Blues have seen a significant drop in scoring chances when Buchnevich is away from their top players, indicating that his best contributions may still lie on the wing.
Philipp Kurashev: A New Role in Chicago
The Experiment: Second-line center
The Stats: 6 GP, 1G-0A-1P, 15:54 ATOI
Philipp Kurashev’s shift to the second-line center role for the Chicago Blackhawks has been met with mixed results. After a breakout season, Kurashev has found himself in a position that has not yet yielded the same success.
While he has shown he can handle the responsibilities of a center, his line’s lack of scoring and defensive struggles have raised concerns. Kurashev’s play has been characterized by missed opportunities to drive the offense, and he has been projected as a healthy scratch in upcoming games. However, his underlying metrics suggest that he may be due for a turnaround, as the line has been unlucky in finishing.
As the NHL season progresses, these experiments will continue to unfold, providing fans with a front-row seat to the strategic maneuvers of their favorite teams. Each player’s journey in their new role will be closely monitored, as teams look to find the right combinations that could lead them to success.