Raymond would need an unheard of training binge in order to return pre-December, imo. He wouldn't be allowed to do any sort of exercising for 4-6 weeks, and even then it would be really light exercising, followed by another 4-6 weeks before beginning rigorous training. Basically 3 months, which means mid-September, before he can start his usual summer training regimen. Personally, I think he's out until Christmas and if he has any setbacks, with things like bulging discs, he could be out for the season.
Sedin Sedin Burrows
Sturm Kesler Samuelsson
Higgins Malhotra Hansen
_____ Lapierre Oreskovich
I'm not sure I'm seeing a spot for Rodin here, this year at least, guys and he hasn't even played an 80-game season on NA ice as of yet. Malhotra might not start the season though. He still has another eye procedure to do and if he's out, voila, temporary roster spot for Cody. If that's the case, here's what I would do:
Sedin Sedin Burrows
Sturm Kesler Hansen
Higgins Hodgson Samuelsson
That gives Cody two of our smarter, veteran forwards to play with (Hansen is still learning & Sturm is a North-South player) that also play at a similar pace so Cody should have no problems keeping up. This also allows Kesler to play with linemates than can keep up with him and Kesler has also publicly stated how he finds Hansen easy to play with and how it's easy to read off of him.