From a talent standpoint this is an easy move for Tortorella to make, but still somewhat surprising due to the production of the Dubinsky, Anisimov, Callahan trio. Torts recognizes the issue in talking about the move:
"I understand it's robbing Peter to pay Paul because I really like Dubi with Cally and Artie...in my mind I am trying to settle this"
According to Dan Rosen at Dan Rosen at NHL.com the other lines will be as follows:
Fedotenko-Anisimov-Callahan
Wolski-Stepan-Zuccarello
Rupp-Boyle-Prust/Christensen
The third line is somewhat intriguing because Wolski appeared to be set for the top line assignment for much of camp until his groin issues. However, putting him with Stepan and Zuccarello is a move that makes sense because the trio had some success when together last year. These lines represent Tortorella going away from his two best lines last season in hopes of finding something at mnew, which is certainly a risk. The Anisimov and Boyle lines were his most consistent performers, but Rupp in Fedotenko's spot should make for a similar line. Fedotenko can play a physical game and will be excellent on the forecheck, but obviously doesn't have the scoring upside that Dubinsky had on the second line.
