I think Steeves could thrive in that spot. He's proven he can score when given the opportunity, top goal scorer in the AHL. He's shown he can play physical when needed. Steeves has never been given a shot on a scoring line with the Leafs. We absolutely know that the first and third lines work together, and I'm just proposing to try Steeves out for a couple of games, against a lesser opponent and see how it works.
It's not sacrificing Willy at all... it's giving Steeves a chance, to prove he can play higher up. If he can, it answers questions for next year, the rest of this year, and solves how to keep lines 1 and 3 that are working very well, together.
Plus, I think Lorentz Kampf Laughton would be an excellent fourth line.
If it doesn't work, we can return to your regularly scheduled program. No harm, no foul. If it works... profit.
Or, if you really like the McMann Tavares Nylander line...
do this instead... Steeves Domi Robertson