Season outlook: RHL15

Forward lines:

Line 1: Frolov - Demitra - Murray
Line 2: Korolyuk - Draper - Ekman

The top 6 will be counted on for big offense, as they all have good shooting numbers this disk. Frolov is due for a big year after sitting for most of last season, while free agent additions Korolyuk and Ekman will take pressure off Demitra and Murray, the Rovers two perennial big guns.

Line 3: Halpern - Jokinen - Horton
Line 4: Malone - Legwand - Isbister

The anticipated scoring depth should come from the lower lines, where Horton, Malone, Halpern, and even Isbister are expected to contribute to the offense. The team doesn't have the defensive forwards it had in previous seasons (Dahlen, Knuble, Johansson), but hopes to
make up for it with offensive guys that can forecheck.

Defensive Pairings

DP 1: Regehr - Pronger
DP 2: Johnsson - Brewer
DP 3: Liles - Hill

The top 4 will log most of the minutes here, with Liles potentially splitting time with a veteran like Cale Hulse. Pronger will add a lot in all areas, including being relied upon heavily in both the PP and PK.

Goaltending: Gerber - Mason

This will probably be a committee all season. Gerber isn't a big name but should be able to get the job done, while Mason sports excellent numbers and will be tested early to see if he warrants facing the top teams.

Bench

Bergeron, Hall, Malhotra, Hulse, Ward, Montador, Hedberg

A larger bench than carried by the Rovers in previous seasons; this may be an area that is trimmed if the Rovers look to reduce payroll. Bergeron, Hall, and Malhotra are all capable RHLers, while Hulse could skate regularly for a number of teams. Hopefully the team doesn't get into a situation where Ward and Montador are relied upon, and there shouldn't be any need for Orange Cone this season with Hedberg on standby in the pressbox.