Which Coyotes line could be the most dynamic this year? (Poll)

Sep 22, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Coyotes center Martin Hanzal (11) celebrates with center Max Domi (16) and center Henrik Samuelsson (15) after scoring a goal in the second period against the Los Angeles Kings at Gila River Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Of course, I’m operating on the almost-certainly incorrect assumption that the lines we’re getting used to in preseason are going to remain as such during the regular season. Let’s pretend this is how things will go, though, and have some fun with this.

Option 1: Domi-Hanzal-Samuelsson

It honestly doesn’t matter which of these three dynamite forwards is playing where- they’re all listed as natural centers. Max Domi provides the flash, Henrik Samuelsson provides the quiet talent, and Martin Hanzal serves as the extremely talented father figure. Developed correctly, this line could be one of the top lines in the league.

*Note: this line is very clearly my “reach” line, but imagine they let this happen. Ohmigod.

Option 2: Vermette-Gagner-Doan

Sep 22, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Coyotes center Sam Gagner (9) celebrates with right wing Shane Doan (19), defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson (23) and defenseman Brandon Gormley (33) after scoring a goal in the second period against the Los Angeles Kings at Gila River Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

I know: during the preseason, they’ve had Lauri Korpikoski here. If anyone thinks that’ll stay the case (particularly if the Domi-Hanzal-Samuelsson dream team is ever allowed to happen), they’re out of their minds. Using my dream sequence first line, this would be the most logical next option- Antoine Vermette is coming off of last season leading the team in goals, Shane Doan is always an assett, and Sam Gagner has something to prove. I’d like to see this happen, regardless of what the top line looks like, and I think it could really fire Gagner up.

Option 3: Michalek- Ekman-Larsson

Feb 1, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Phoenix Coyotes defensemen Zbynek Michalek (4) handles the puck while teammate defensemen Oliver Ekman-Larsson (23) defends Pittsburgh Penguins forward Sidney Crosby (87) in the first period at Jobing.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports

Do I think that one of the team’s defensive pairings could easily be one of the highest performing on the team? Absolutely. The Arizona Coyotes are a defense-first franchise, and it shows with the level of talent floating around the blue line. Oliver Ekman-Larsson just needs to outperform himself, and Zbynek Michalek literally has to do no better than average for their top-two pairing to tear it up.

Option 4: Murphy-Yandle

Sep 15, 2013; Glendale, AZ, USA; Phoenix Coyotes defenseman Keith Yandle (3) scores on Los Angeles Kings goalie Ben Scrivens (54) during the third period at Jobing.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

This is my favorite defensive pairing, and it doesn’t even exist yet. I’m holding out hope, though- especially after seeing how well Michael Stone and David Schlemko play together on the power play unit. Connor Murphy could easily be the stay-at-home (but still offensively gifted) saving grace that Keith Yandle needs to bring this team into the postseason- and I’m not sure anyone can necessarily disagree with this. It’s not a matter of whether they’ll be good together, but how good… and I think they’ll be great.

So what do you guys think? Let us know, and we’ll see how public opinion stacks up as the season gets under way!

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