In late January of last season, head coach Bob Boughner made a gutsy decision in preparation of their upcoming game against the Washington Capitals.
The move consisted of dropping winger Jonathan Huberdeau to the second line to play with center Vincent Trocheck. This came as a surprise for many fans since Huberdeau had always played with assistant captain Aleksander Barkov.
With Huberdeau on the second line, forward Nick Bjugstad was promoted to the first line with Barkov and Evgeni Dadonov. This change was a blessing in disguise as this was one of the main factors of the big run for the Cats that almost sent them to the postseason.