COREY Neilson insists he is keeping an open mind over the formation of Nottingham Panthers' forward lines for next season.

In the past, the player-coach admits he has probably been "a little stubborn" over his pre-conceived plans.

But Neilson says he will see how the lines develop during a lengthy pre-season training camp.

With four newcomers to the UK as well as three experienced GB internationals among his 11 forwards, Neilson's impressive-looking recruitment drive will be finished with the addition of one more import defenceman.

He has already said that he can now short-shift four sets of wingers with three centres – effectively four lines.

"It's not as if I don't have a plan," said Neilson. "I haven't picked these guys out of a hat with the hope that they just gel.

"I have an idea of where they fit the jigsaw but they are all versatile and that may change.

"I just don't want to make any hard and fast decisions over who skates with who, particularly in June.

"Instead I will be waiting to see if any unique chemistries build during training camp.

"In the past, I have been pretty stubborn on lines but we will see how things click when they all come in."

Apart from hard-case Alex Penner, who is a winger, fellow newcomers Billy Ryan, Dustin Sproat and Ian McDonald can all play centre or wing, as can Brits Marc Levers and Matthew Myers.

Jay Henderson is another option for centre.

Their other forwards are free-scoring GB star David Clarke, Jade Galbraith – who was last season's leading play-maker – former league player of the year David Beauregard and young Brit Rob Lachowicz.

Neilson said: "Most lines traditionally have passers playing alongside shooters and perhaps someone who goes to the net.

"It doesn't always work like that, though.

"This time I have brought in players who, generally, can pass as well as score and can make contributions in different areas.

"Some are more defensively inclined, for instance.

"A lot depends on the power-play set-ups, of course, so there is a bit of work to do before we start firming up lines.

"And, of course, things may change game-by-game and with the players we've brought in, it gives me the advantage of being able to switch it around."

Panthers are the most advanced of all the ten Elite League teams in terms of recruitment, needing one more defenceman to complete their import roster.

Once again, Neilson has brought in a number of new faces to this country but he doesn't think they will need long to settle in.

"We've seen previously that experienced pros may need a little time to get used to the game over here," he said.

"I know, I was one of them. But talking to these players, I can tell they are hungry to start work and will do whatever it takes to prove themselves here.

"I am very excited about the new season and I can't wait to get started."