Leafs starting line-up 24/25

[conFABulator]

Hopefully, Domi played some of his best hockey next to Matthews. I also found Matthews a little more aggressive in his play knowing he had two (Bertuzzi and Domi) players that play with a bit of an edge and can drop the gloves. You can almost recreate that line by having Knies, Matthews and Domi.

Not only does Domi with Matthews work for those two (with Knies) it also opens the possibility of Nylander and Marner working (with Pacioretty, Grebenkin, Cowan or Holmberg) as an outstanding second line. Marner can feed Willy pucks and maybe we have two fifty-goal men? Marner also brings defensive strengths to support Willy. Pacioretty clicking with those two would be a nice outcome in so many ways.

Knies Matthews Domi
Pacioretty Nylander Marner
Robertson Tavares McMann

Holmberg, Grebenkin, Kampf, Jarnkrok, Lorentz, Dewar, Reaves, Cowan and Minten fill out the fourth. We really should consider trading one or both of Jarnkrok and Kampf. I believe they are movable for modest returns.

 

[ZEBROA]

Not only does Domi with Matthews work for those two (with Knies) it also opens the possibility of Nylander and Marner working (with Pacioretty, Grebenkin, Cowan or Holmberg) as an outstanding second line. Marner can feed Willy pucks and maybe we have two fifty-goal men? Marner also brings defensive strengths to support Willy. Pacioretty clicking with those two would be a nice outcome in so many ways.

Knies Matthews Domi
Pacioretty Nylander Marner
Robertson Tavares McMann

Holmberg, Grebenkin, Kampf, Jarnkrok, Lorentz, Dewar, Reaves, Cowan and Minten fill out the fourth. We really should consider trading one or both of Jarnkrok and Kampf. I believe they are movable for modest returns.

I now see i forgot about Pacioretty.
I would not get rid of Jarnkrok if we are not 100% sure to get someone better in return. He can play anywere in the lineup and at least stay status quo. Nothing happens forward or backward for most games. We dont want anyone giving us less then that. Kampf yeah.

 

[Avilaj07]

Knies-Matthews-Domi
Mcmann-Nylander-Marner
Pacioretty-Tavares-Grebenkin
Robertson-Holmberg-Nylander
Dewar

Out-
Kampf
Jarnkrok
Reaves

Now I understand there's not really any shutdown lines but those top 3 lines could compete against any other teams top line which allows our 4th line to hopefully feast on opposing teams with their skill.

 

[Ciao]

Matthews and Jarnkrok hurt.

There's likely to be injuries and some movement in the lineup. There could be a lot of moving pieces.

I think Knies and maybe Cowan will be the only waivers exempt players on the season opening roster, and at that Cowan is a long shot.

 

[SHANNYPLAN]

OPENING NIGHT

Knies - Matthews - Marner
I think Domi & Marner end up switching at some point, but either way, top goal scorer in the game with an elite playmaker and finally a legitimate power forward who isn't afraid to mix things up and go to the dirty areas. Primary offensive & matchup line.

Pacioretty - Nylander - Domi
I think Nylander sticks at centre, despite probably putting up fewer points as a result, he will have a bigger impact on the game. Pacioretty should score 20 goals playing on this line. Domi will be able to dig pucks out of the dirty areas, set up Willy and Patches and add a physical presence to the line. Secondary offensive line.

Robertson - Tavares - McMann
Robertson and McMann make up for JT's lack of speed. JT and McMann are both defensively responsible, can play hard on the forecheck and win puck battles. Should make space for Robertson put up 20ish goals. Secondary matchup line.

Lorentz - Kampf - Reaves
Three big bodies who can play hard on the forechek. Kampf and Lorenz should make up for Reaves lack of speed. Based on Chief's pressers, it seems that Reaves will be an every day player this season. Impact energy line with one of the more skilled guys filling in for Reaves depending on the situation.

Extras: Pontus Holmberg & Connor Dewar
Traded: Calle Jarnkrok

Rielly - Tanev
Rielly finally gets a legitimate top four RHD to play with. Tanev will allow Rielly to become a bigger offensive threat than we have seen in recent years. Primary offensive and matchup pairing.

Ekman-Larsson - McCabe
Ekman-Larsson brings some secondary offence and McCabe will be relied on as the teams secondary shut down guy. Between OEL's offence and McCabes physical play, this line should play almost as much as Rielly and Tanev. Depending on the game/matchup, I would expect Benoit and OEL to switch places.

Benoit - Liljegren
Typical third pairing with upside. Liljegren has the ability to move the puck and play more free offensively, while Benoit can stay back and focus on the defensive end. Benoit's physicality and Liljegren's skating should complement each other well. Again, I see Benoit and OEL switching throughout the season.

Extra: Hakanpaa
(I think Hakanpaa takes over Liljegren's spot by Christmas).
Traded: Timmins

GAME ONE (PLAYOFFS)

Knies - - - Matthews - - - Domi
Pacioretty - Nylander - Marner
Robertson - Tavares - McMann
Lorentz - Holmberg - Reaves

Rielly - - - Tanev
Benoit - McCabe
OEL - Hakanpaa


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