Trent Frederic.

For my mind, I keep Kakko for the time being.  He's one of the few legit two-way forwards they have (they don't have a lot of guys who can play defense and offense - or more importantly ARE playing any sort of defense).  

Of the Zibanejad line, they all could play defense, but Smith is probably the most effective at the moment.  Kreider could be better, and Zibanejad's game has just collapsed, though I think he's trying.

Of the Trocheck line, not one of the three are playing defense, with Panarin and Lafreniere in particular poor in that situation

Then there's the Chytil line, with Kakko the best of the three, and Cuylle working on it.  Not sure Chytil is very good in his own zone.

So out of your top nine, I'd probably say Kakko is your best in his own zone, with Smith and Cuylle probably the next guys up.  None of the centers are particularly effective right now which is even more problematic.

Posted by: @fish

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For my mind, I keep Kakko for the time being.  He's one of the few legit two-way forwards they have (they don't have a lot of guys who can play defense and offense - or more importantly ARE playing any sort of defense).  

Of the Zibanejad line, they all could play defense, but Smith is probably the most effective at the moment.  Kreider could be better, and Zibanejad's game has just collapsed, though I think he's trying.

Of the Trocheck line, not one of the three are playing defense, with Panarin and Lafreniere in particular poor in that situation

Then there's the Chytil line, with Kakko the best of the three, and Cuylle working on it.  Not sure Chytil is very good in his own zone.

So out of your top nine, I'd probably say Kakko is your best in his own zone, with Smith and Cuylle probably the next guys up.  None of the centers are particularly effective right now which is even more problematic.