Chicago Blackhawks Coach Jeremy Colliton Trying Drastically New Lineup

Line 3: DeBrincat-Kampf-Kahun

Alex DeBrincat is an incredible offensive talent. Additionally, Dominik Kahun had a lot of success playing opposite of him on Toews line. Should these two be able to succeed in a lesser role without Jonathan Toews, Colliton will look like a genius as he’d provide scoring in the bottom-six previously not there.

David Kampf has the second best face-off percentage or centers on the team (52.5) behind Jonathan Toews (58.5) , so they have an okay chance of still playing with the puck somewhat frequently. Kampf also could help to make up for what this line lacks defensively as well as he’s more or less known as “Marcus Kruger 2.0″ at this point.

If it were up to me, I’d like to see DeBrincat skating on the first line while Dylan Sikura got a shot at a third line role with this team.

Line 4: Kunitz-Johnson-Martinsen

Yikes.

Luke Johnson showed a ton of promise during training camp and I’m glad to see him getting more opportunities in the regular season. He’s a fine fourth line center in Kruger’s absence, but I’ve felt he’s looked better on the wing when given that opportunity.

I’d like to see him prove me wrong, though.

Personally, I don’t think Andreas Martinsen has much place in this lineup when Hayden is in it (and vice versa). I prefer Hayden because of his potential, but regardless I don’t think there’s much need for more than one of them at a time.

Chris Kunitz, who’s presence is widely hated by most, doesn’t bother me when playing limited minutes on a fourth line left wing. What does bother me is that he continues to be less effective than he should be while guys like Dylan Sikura sit in Rockford.