Ken Hitchcock has had a vision of Martin Hanzal being a huge part of his scheme.
It hasn't changed.
While Hanzal's various injury issues have created an opening for Jason Spezza to build second line chemistry with Mattias Janmark and Alexander Radulov in recent weeks, Hitchcock said his plan is to get Hanzal up to 16 or 17 minutes and possibly play him in Spezza's place.
"I think that depends on how each guy is playing. We won't be afraid to make that change," Hitchcock said after starting Hanzal on the fourth line Thursday in a 4-3 win over New Jersey.